This mixed lecture and discussion course examines the changing American environment and its relationship to the development of American environmentalism in the twentieth century.

Our investigation will include the analysis of various efforts to shape government policies, from the conservation movement through the environmental justice movement. The focus on politics allows a greater understanding of how Americans have altered their environment and provides case studies for examination of the American political system.

The primary goal of the course is to explore the complexity of modern environmentalism and its diverse sources and multiple consequences.

This course will be designed to fulfill the 4000-level requirements of the History Department meaning that it will guide students through an original research project that will utilize both primary and secondary sources and entail significant writing.