Environmental Justice I

This course examines definitions of and different perspectives on environmental justice, traces the history of the environmental justice movement, policy, law and regulation, and considers contemporary issues and developments in current struggles for environmental justice for Indigenous peoples in the United States and throughout the world. By the end of the course, students should have a clear understanding of distinctions between environmentalism and environmental justice, indigenous environmental justice issues, and have developed critical thinking skills and effective writing skills. Instructional methods include a combination of lectures, small group discussions and in-class exercises, and participation in online discussion boards.

Recommended Texts:

• • James M. Grijalva. 2008. Closing the Circle: Environmental Justice in Indian Country. Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press.

  • Kathryn Mutz, Gary C. Bryner and Douglas S. Kenney, editors. 2002. Justice and Natural Resources. Washington, D.C: Island Press.

  • David Seibert, editor. 2005. Sacred Lands and Gathering Grounds: A Toolkit for Access, Protection. Flagstaff, AZ: Center for Sustainable Environments and Department of Applied Indigenous Studies, Northern Arizona University.

  • Omer C. Stewart. 2002. Forgotten Fires: Native Americans and the Transient Wilderness. Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press.

Online Resources

Course developed by: Dr. Karen Jarratt-Snider