Common Course Outline

Catalog Description

Course Description

This course is a sociological analysis of the relationship between social behavior the social and natural environment within which humans live. The course applies a sociological approach to describe, explain, and develop responses to current and potential problems in the environment. College level reading and writing skills are recommended.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

December, 2024

Outline of Major Content Areas

1. Introduction to Environmental Sociology
   1. Social patterns and the environment
   2. The sociological imagination and the environment
   3. Sociological theory and environmental issues
   4. Environmental ethics
   5. Responding to environmental concerns
2. The natural environment: Objects of concern
   1. Environmental degradation
   2. Climate change
   3. Depletion, scarcity and sustainability
   4. Natural disasters, hazards and risks
3. Human behavior and the environment: Objects of concern
   1. Population and consumption
   2. Human-made disasters, hazards and risks
4. Institutions and the environment
   1. Environmental justice and inequality
5. Responses to environmental concerns
   1. Making the case for the need to respond
   2. Global and local responses
   3. Social movements and environmental activism
   4. Governmental responses and environmental treaties
   5. Consequences of environmental intervention

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

1. Understand the connection between environmental issues, individuals, and social institutions.
2. Apply sociological theory to social institutions and organizations with regards to environmental issues to provide understanding from multiple perspectives.
3. Explain how social structure affects the environment through human actions and social life at the micro and macro levels and how this structure influences environmental actions.
4. Explain how hierarchy, power, and authority operate across environmental organizations and social networks and how this influences the social construction of self and society.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 5/History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

The student will be able to:

1. Employ the methods and data that historians and social behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
2. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
3. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.

Goal 10/People and the Environment

The student will be able to:

1. Discern patterns and interrelationships of bio-physical and socio-cultural systems.
2. Evaluate critically environmental and natural resource issues in light of understandings about interrelationships, ecosystems, and institutions.
3. Propose and assess alternative solutions to environmental problems.
4. Articulate and defend the actions they would take on various environmental issues.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

• Objective Exams
• Written papers
• Quizzes
• Written homework

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Personal and Professional Accountability

Students will take responsibility as active learners for achieving their educational and personal goals.

Special Information (if any)

None