Sociology 3600-001TennesseeTechUniversity

Environmental Sociology

Prerequisite: SOC 1010 or 1100 or consent of instructor.

Spring semester, 2009

Class meeting ~ 1:30 – 2:50 TR

Classroom ~ Matthews/Daniel 204

Dr. Lachelle Norris, Associate Professor of Sociology

Office: Matthews/Daniel Hall 258

Phone: 372-6220

Email:

Office Hours:Mondays and Wednesday 10am – noon. All other times by appointment.

Course Description

Environmental Sociology 3600 presents a sociological slant on environmental issues, analyzing the social causes and consequences of resource scarcity and environmental degradation while examining the societal responses to those problems. From this perspective, environmental problems are viewed as social problems, requiring an understanding of the social structural conditions and social psychological conditions that produce such problems.

The primary objective of the course is for you to develop an understanding of environmental issues from a sociological perspective (the main focus of environmental sociology). To guide us, we will address the following: What are environmental problems and who defines them? What are the conflicts over population growth, food, and natural resources? What role does the environmental movement play? What is sustainable development and is it possible? And, as we examine the societal impacts we’ll also explore our own attitudes and behavior. Why do we feel and act the way we do toward the environment?

It is understood that some of you taking this course may not have had many classes in sociology. This should not present a problem. However, if you find yourself confused over any sociological concepts, theories or jargon please bring this to my attention, either in our class discussions or outside of class. You might find it useful to have an old Introduction to Sociology textbook handy. I have a few of these to loan.

Course Objectives

1)to understand environmental issues from a sociological perspective

2)to think critically about these issues, in terms of their genesis and the societal response to them

3)to explore an environmental topic of our choice by conducting original research

4)to emerge from the class with a significantly greater understanding of the human/environmental interaction than you had upon entering the class

Required Texts

There are two textbooks required for this class.

Bell, Michael Mayerfeld. 2009. An Invitation to Environmental Sociology (3rd edition). Pine Forge Press. ISBN: 978-1-4129-5655-0

A Land Imperiled: The Declining Health of the Southern Appalachian Bioregion. 2005. Edited by John Nolt (Outdoor Tennessee Series; UT Press, Knoxville) ISBN: 1-57233-326-X

Course Requirements

You will be required to do the following in a satisfactory manner:

  • Unannounced in-class quizzes (worth 10 point each, approximately 100 points possible; 15% of final grade). On occasion, I will be giving a quick quiz based on the reading assignment due for that day. These quizzes will gauge your understanding of the material and help you keep up with the readings. You cannot make up missed in-class quizzes. Many of the reading assignments are listed in the schedule, but I may also provide you with additional material as we go. This could appear on the quiz also.
  • Two essay/short answer exams (worth 100 points each, approximately 200 points possible; 30% of the final grade). These two exams (a midterm and final) will be constructed from any and all information you’ve acquired from lectures, guest speakers, films, readings, etc. I may ask you for facts, or I may ask you to apply your knowledge in a particular situation.
  • There will be approximately four homework assignments, which will be announced in class. These are to be completed outside of class, typed, and turned in at the beginning of the class period for which they are due. (Each worth 25 points; 100 points possible). These must be typed in order to be acceptable. Homework will be accepted late only if verifiable written excuse is provided. Many of these homework assignments have numerous parts to them. Make sure you address all parts of the assignment in a well-organized, well-written response! Your paper should be 400-500 words in length (approx. two typed, double spaced pages with standard 12 font/1 inch margins)
  • Completion of a class project (TBD) (worth 200 points; 30% of the final grade). There will be necessary assignments associated with this class project, to be determined and announced as we go. I will be awarding points on this project via a log book (worth 50 points Xs 4) which will record what work you are doing, how much work you are doing, etc. In regard to what this project actually involves, you have a say in what we do and how. We can be creative in this, addressing a real world environmental problem perhaps in a critical and analytical fashion. I have some potential project ideas attached to this syllabus, or we may come up with something entirely different. Whatever we decide, the work will be done in stages with your log book turned in to me for credit so that I can give you timely feedback as you go. Your peers will also provide feedback so no slacking!

In summary, your final grade will be based upon the following:

Unannounced Quizzes:approximately 10 @ 10 points each=100(17%)

Two exams:worth possible 100 points each = 200(33%)

Homework:approximately 4 @25 points each =100(17%)

Project:four grades for log book @ 50 points each = 200(33%)

Your final grade will be calculated by taking the total number of points you have received divided by the total number of points possible (approximately 660). Your final grade will be based on the following:90 – 100 % = A, 80 – 89% = B, 70 – 79% = C, 60 – 69% = D, 59% or below = F

Assorted Course Policies

Please act in a professional manner while in class:

Arrive to class on time...it is disrespectful to me and to your classmates when you arrive late OR leave early. Please tell me if there’s been an emergency or some such other thing that makes you late, or requires you to leave early.

We might not always agree with each other. Please allow everyone to have their say if they so wish. Respect each other’s right to voice opinion, even if you don’t necessarily agree with the point of view being expressed. Be sensitive and aware of others. But do feel free to discuss.

It is just plain rude to sleep in class or talk with your classmates or use a cell phone while the rest of us are trying to concentrate and participate. Prepare to be asked to leave.

Please limit your leaving class during class to emergencies only. It gets disruptive when folks just up and leave.

Remember to turn off all cell phones when coming to class; same goes for iPods and other such devices. PLEASE, do not check or send text messages or play games on your phone or laptop during class. Laptops are allowed if used for course related work only.

Late assignments regarding homework and the project will not be accepted without a legitimate excuse. Even with verifiable excuse, points awarded for the work will be deducted by one for each day late, including the day due. (Assignments will be collected at the beginning of class; assignments turned in after class begins will be considered late)

Class Attendance according to the TTU handbook

“A student is expected to attend each meeting of every class for which he/she is registered. Each instructor is responsible for explaining, in writing, the practice in the treatment of absences at the beginning of each course. Regular class attendance is a definite part of the total performance required for the satisfactory completion of any course, and an unsatisfactory attendance record may adversely affect the final grade recorded for the course. When, in the opinion of the instructor, the attendance record of a student becomes unsatisfactory, the Office of Student Affairs will be notified. Unsatisfactory class attendance may result in the student's being dropped from a course with a grade of "F." A student who is unable to return to classes due to an emergency or serious accident should notify the Office of Student Affairs. A student who cannot avoid an absence from a class for any other reason is expected to assume the responsibility of explaining his absence to the instructor and for making arrangements to complete the work missed. Tardiness is recorded as an absence.”

I will take roll (before class, after class or in some other fashion). Remember that the quizzes will be unannounced, and you can’t make these up. We’ll be working in class on our class project, and if you absent on the days we do this in class work, your grade (those possible 200 points) for the project will be deducted five points from the overall totalpossible for the project. Besides, you’ll find it very hard to keep up if you do not come to this class and you’ll miss out on all sorts of interesting discussion, guests, etc.

Remember: No late homework will be accepted without a written verifiable excuse (if accepted, one point will be deducted for each day late, including day due).

Academic Integrity: Academic honesty is expected of all students in their participation of this course. Any form of academic dishonesty will result in your receiving a zero (0) for the work, and additional actions may be taken. Plagiarism is a serious offense. Do not try to pass off someone else’s work as your own. Such cases will be turned over to academic misconduct for review.

Disability Services: Students who need assistance with class should notify me immediately and should contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS). An Accommodation Request (AR) should be completed as soon as possible, preferably by the end of the first week of the course.I will do anything necessary to assist in making the course comfortable for you. The ODS is located in the RoadenUniversityCenter, Room 112; phone 372-6119.

Kids/Pets in Class: I realize that some of you may be parents as well as students, and that there are times when it is necessary to either bring your child to class or skip the class. Occasionally bringing a child with you to one of my classesusually doesn’t present a problem as long as they are not disruptive or contagious. Same goes for pets, but ask first.

Inclement Weather: Tech rarely closes for snow but use good judgment; do not risk your life. I will make every attempt to email you if I cannot make it to class, so check your email before starting out if there’s any doubt. For you parents, TTU's Campus Recreation and Fitness Center has offered Snow Day Care in the past for children 6-15 years old (call 372-6211 for more details). I will not be in class in the event of a tornado warning. Find a safety zone.

Class Schedule of Assigned Readings and Due Dates

(subject to revisions if necessary)

A Sociological Approach to Environmental Issues

Week 1

January 22

  • syllabus and orientation to the course

The Material

Week 2 ~ Environmental Problems and Society

January 27

  • Reading assignment: Preface and Ch 1 in Bell; Preface and Intro in Imperiled
  • bring your thoughts and ideas about the project with you (in writing)

January 29

  • Reading assignment: Ch 1 (History) in Imperiled

Week 3 ~ Consumption and Materialism

February 3

  • Reading assignment: Ch 2 in Bell

February 5

  • Reading assignment: Ch 8 (Consumption and Waste) in Imperiled

Week 4 ~ Money and Machines

February 10

  • Reading assignment: Ch 3 in Bell

February 12

  • Reading assignment: Ch 9 (Transportation) in Imperiled

Week 5 ~ Population, Urbanization and Development

February 17

  • Reading assignment: Ch 4 in Bell

February 19

  • Reading assignment: Ch 5 (Population) in Imperiled

Week 6 ~ Body and Health

February 24

  • Reading assignment: Ch 5 in Bell

February 26

  • Reading assignment: Ch 2 (Air) in Imperiled

Week 7

March 3 – Mid Term Exam

The Ideal

March 5 ~ Environmental Domination

  • Reading assignment: Ch 8 in Bell

Week 8Spring Break – no classes

Week 9 ~ Environmental Concern

March 17

  • Reading assignment: Ch 7 in Bell

March 19

  • Reading assignment: Ch 3 (Water) in Imperiled

Week 10 ~ Human Nature of Nature

March 24

  • Reading assignment: Ch 8 in Bell

March 26

  • Reading assignment: Ch 4 (Biota) in Imperiled

Week 11 ~ Risk

March 31

  • Reading assignment: Ch 9 in Bell

April 2

  • Reading assignment: Ch 6 (Food) in Imperiled

The Practical

Week 12 ~ Mobilizing the Ecological Society

April 7

  • Reading assignment: Ch 10 in Bell

April 9

  • Reading assignment: Ch 7 (Energy) in Imperiled

Week 13 ~ Governing the Ecological Society

April 14

  • Reading assignment: Ch 11 in Bell

April 16

  • Reading assignment: Ch 10 (Future Prospects) in Imperiled

Week 14 ~ Earth Day Week

April 21: TBA

April 22: Earth Day!

April 23: TBA

Week 15 ~ Models of Sustainability

April 28

  • Reading assignment: Ch 11 in Imperiled

April 30

  • Field Trip

Final : May 5 (1-3)

Possible Projects

#1

Earth Day is April 22nd – the class could organize some type of celebration, or activity for this day, possibly working with SEAC, if they are doing anything in particular. To my knowledge, there is no organized celebration planned.

#2

Class can choose an environmental topic/problem, research that topic and come up with ways to address it (this would need to be a local issue just for logistical reason); the entire class would work on this main issue

#3

Class can divide up into groups with each group selecting a topic (as in #2 above)

#4

An Environmental Oral History Project: Each member of the class finds someone who has been involved in the environmental movement (or done much work through the years on environmental issues); these folks may be local or national. Each student conducts interviews and prepares a paper to be combined with others into one document (possible publication?)

#5

Class can get involved in an ongoing environmental struggle (such as mountaintop removal) and contribute time/energy/research, etc to that work, working in conjunction with the group(s) already established.

? your ideas ?