EVS 317—The Politics of Sustainability

Focuses on the relationship between environmental problems and the political process. Explores definitions of an environmentally sustainable society. Then we attempt to answer the question of “how to get there from here.” This involves developing a theory of social change by examining a number of case studies. We also study local environmental controversies from a political perspective through firsthand involvement or guest speakers. We also look at national and international environmental conflicts, such as the backlash against mainstream environmentalism created by the “Wise Use” movement and contemporary political forces championing property rights and states’ rights. This course is the same as LAW 317, and course repeat rules will apply.