Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

The course examines the intimate relation between humans and their environment using selected ecological and cultural theory. It views the environment in relation to cultural values that both determine and reflect its use. Emphases understanding the ongoing reciprocity between environment and culture, including assessment of the variety of human adaptations through technology over evolutionary time. Since the environment and economy are closely related, a variety of subsistence and subsequent economies are also assessed. The course also serves as an introduction to ecological anthropology and the sub-field of cultural ecology.  Students should read and write at a basic college level.

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:

• Describe the concept of a system and its relation to environmental status.
• Identify basic concepts in culture, ecology and cultural ecology.
• Explain the reciprocal relation between cultural and environmental systems.
• Discuss themes and realities that link these concepts.
• Identify actual examples of cultural values in global warming, climate change and the global ecosystem.
• Articulate a reasonable overview of these considerations to others.

To apply this knowledge to help resolve both enduring and contemporary problems in the human use of the globe and its resources, with particular attention to the linkage between culture and environment. . 

The course uses text readings; regular in-class discussion, brief quizzes, a field project; and midterm and final exams. These are presented in a sequence of topical weeks that develop from and succeed each other, plus their cumulative integration. Texts can be obtained used at low prices online. Online materials, documentaries, monographs, films and related materials are used at the discretion of the instructor.

Assessment strategies may include any of the following:

* regular discussions 

* midterm and final exams 

* project paper

* quizzes

* small-group exercises

* field exercise

* student presentations

Course Content:

   Themes:

• Characteristics of Systems
• Ecology-Culture Reciprocity
• Cultural Impact
• Environmental Setting
• Economic Implications 

   Concepts:    

• System
• Biosphere
• Ecology
• Culture
• Ecosystem
• Environment
• Globalization
• Individuation

   Issues:         

• post-colonial dominances
• population growth
• economic exploitation
• biocides and pollutants
• environmental destruction
• extinctions

   Competencies and Skills Resulting:  

• Understand ecological anthropology at the college level  
• Recognize its relation to biological and evolutionary aspects 
• Apply knowledge of  the culture-environment relation in work
• Articulate these factors in contemporary environmental problems
• Recognize and utilize these concerns for the realities of life