Spring 2014

Pol S 401, Advanced Seminar in Political Theory
 Topic: Environmental Political Theory
 Instructor: Jason Lambacher
 Time: TTh 1230-220pm
 5 Credits, I&S Credit
 SLN: 18408

Description: This course surveys the intersection of environmental ideas and political theory. Political theory is a normative enterprise that evokes reflection on ideas central to political life. Environmental political thought calls for a similar kind of reflection but includes environmental themes in its imagination. This class critically investigate concepts such as nature, individualism, society, justice, consumption, wilderness, bioregionalism, phenomenology, sacrifice, and utopianism from political and environmental points of view. An examination of why different schools of political thought interpret environmental problems from their own unique, often richly historical, perspectives helps to accomplish this task. Further, environmental political theory is not equivalent to environmental politics or environmental policy, though many of the ideas encountered in course texts animate the motivations of activists and politicians and support certain principles of legislation. Environmental political thought is concerned, above all, with meaning and is particularly attuned to perennial controversies about “the good life” and the significance of living in a world that is alive.

Student learning goals: Critical engagement with environmental texts, open discussion, and committed writing.

Method of Instruction: Seminar discussion and short lectures.

Class assignments and grading: Papers and exams