The main aim of this module is to engage with a series of critical debates about the environment by examining American environmental history from the early settlement through to the present day. through to the present day, with a substantial focus upon the 19th century's shift from an agrarian and industrial society. By the end of the module, students should be able to identify important continuities as well as significant changes in American attitudes and practices towards the natural world since first settlement. Students should be enabled to develop good historical practice and analytical skills through the analysis of primary documents, and to relate these analyses to ecological, social, and cultural contexts. Finally, students should be enabled to demonstrate an understanding of key aspects of American environmental history, ranging from the initial interaction with novel ecological situations via the impact of modernization upon a variety of ecological niches, to the perils and promise of large flooding/reclamation projects.
To be able to identify important continuities as well as significant changes in American attitudes and practices towards the natural world since first settlement.
To develop good historical practice and analytical skills through the analysis of primary documents, and to relate these analyses to ecological, social, and cultural contexts.
To be able to describe and explain key aspects of American environmental history, ranging from the initial interaction with novel ecological situations via the impact of modernization upon a variety of ecological niches, to the perils and promise of large flooding/reclamation projects.
11 weeks @ 1 hour documentary/film screening = 18 hours
11 weeks @ 3 hours seminar preparation = 30 hours
Short Paper preparation = 30 hours
Essay preparation and private study = 50 hours
Total = 150 hours
This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.