GEOG 333  ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

This course introduces you to the history of the Environmental Justice movement in the US, from its beginnings in the context of environmental racism to the more current, and wider ranging ideas of environmental and social equity.  Environmental racism is rooted in the past and current decision-making processes resulting in social and economic and economic hardships often borne by low income and/or minority populations in the location of certain types of facilities - often referred to as "LULUs" (Locally Undesirable Land Uses).  These can include landfills, heavy industry, prisons and other types of activities that are considered socially necessary, but that no one wants near their home or community (the "NIMBY" - Not In My BackYard - effect). Environmental justice and social equity are inherently spatial in nature, which is one reason to look at these issues geographically, but they are also extraordinarily difficult to define spatially, because of limitations in the available geographic data and/or our geographic tools.  We will: 1) look at a number of seminal cases studies trying to define and/or prove - or disprove - the extent and location of environmental racism/justice in the US, 2) discuss writings that are critical of progress towards environmental justice, critical of the idea of environmental justice itself and even the broader environmental movement, and, 3) examine the problems of analysis posed by the limitations of our data and our tools.

SCHEDULE - GO HERE !  Assigned readings for the class will be handed out in class or posted on the course website with links on the class schedule page.  There is no textbook for this class.

GRADING      1) You will be required to write summaries of the assigned readings.  These will be due on the discussion day in class.  No late papers will be accepted for credit.  12 papers, 5 points each (60 points)       2) Midterm (10 points) and Final exams (15 points)  (25 points total)      3) Attendance and Participation 1 point each each week (15 points total)

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY - http://www.bridgew.edu/Handbook/PoliciesProcedures/academicintegrity.htm   This link will take you to the college policy on academic integrity.  In this class, cheating on an test will result in an automatic "0" for that test, and it will be reported to the college's academic review panel.  If a second instance of cheating occurs, it is an automatic F for the course, and you may face other disciplinary actions.

Extra Stuff... Lecture1 (PowerPoint)...