BRITISH ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY

概要

This course introduces students to some key concepts and developments in British environmental history and philosophy by exploring the connections between nature, culture, and imperialism in different parts of the British Empire from the 17th century to the present (including the historical, scientific, cultural, and ecological legacy of British colonialism in various geographical regions). In particular, this class examines how the British Empire’s expansion and consolidation contributed to the development of highly influential philosophical and scientific ideas about nature, ecology, and the environment, as well as providing an arena for practical applications of these ideas (for economic exploitation, resource extraction, and even nature conservation). Students are also encouraged to reflect on the role of economic, cultural, and social factors, in addition to ecological and biophysical factors, in the interactions between (1) colonial authorities and/or settlers, (2) indigenous communities, and (3) local environments, landscapes, and ecosystems. Consequently, many units focus on forests, considered as a key site of contact and conflict (or cooperation) between imperial powers and indigenous populations (e.g., for the purposes of resource exploitation and management, economic development, conservation practices, and/or scientific research). More generally, the course introduces the research methods and theoretical perspectives typical of environmental history and philosophy related to the British Empire, particularly in South Asia, Southern Africa, and the Caribbean, with reference to the historical background and contemporary applications of these disciplines, as well as key debates in the associated fields of research. This class also seeks to help students appreciate how studying the environmental history of different regions within the British Empire can deepen their understanding of contemporary environmental, social, and economic issues, particularly those related to the impacts of globalization, inequality, and climate change. An active learning approach will be employed (combined with introductory lectures), with an emphasis on classroom activities such as group discussion and debate, collaborative worksheets, and critical writing exercises.

目標

1. To introduce students to key concepts and developments in environmental history, including resource extraction and exploitation policies, land use changes, forest management practices, social and economic drivers, and ecological impacts related to colonial activities (and indigenous responses) across the British Empire. 2. To introduce students to the conceptual frameworks and theoretical ideas central to environmental history and philosophy, particularly those that are influential in current research and related debates, such as ecological imperialism, eco-cultural networks, and theories of imperial vs. indigenous agency. 3. To increase students’ awareness of the connections between different scientific and philosophical ideas about the environment and specific policy decisions by colonial authorities and officials related to land use regulations, natural resource exploitation (and management), environmental protection, and nature conservation across the British Empire from the 17th century to the present day. 4. To encourage students to reflect on the ways in which the disciplines of environmental history and philosophy can inform current approaches to understanding and addressing climate change, resource depletion, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation, and other contemporary issues (as well as deepening their understanding of how similar problems occurred in the past). 5. To improve students' English listening and writing skills, as well as their ability to read, comprehend, and engage with academic texts in English.

授業外の学習

General Overview -> Complete the readings and discussion activities assigned for each class (Generally, you will be required to read around 20-25 pages each week, usually from academic articles on different aspects of environmental history). Review the relevant course material each week to prepare for class debates and group discussion. Complete homework assignments, including reaction papers, Moodle forum tasks, and critical or reflective writing exercises (further details will be provided by the instructor). Detailed Instructions -> The weekly class preparation and review activities described above should be structured as follows: 1. Class Preparation: Complete the readings and discussion preview activities assigned for each class (based on worksheet instructions; approx. 120 minutes per session). 2. Class Review and Homework: Complete homework assignments, including critical and reflective writing exercises (reaction papers), independent research and self-review related to the class topics, and Moodle forum discussion tasks (based on Moodle instructions; approx. 70 minutes per session, with 45 minutes for homework tasks and 25 minutes for review tasks). Where necessary, further details will be provided by the instructor.

所要時間: 190 minutes