Course Description:
With a wide-angled multidisciplinary lens, students in this course explore the central importance of nature and the environment in American history. From Thoreau to pink flamingoes, we trace shifting conceptions of "nature" in American cultural history. In addition, we survey the history of environmental change, focusing on the historical impact of human activity upon local and regional environments from New England to California. Finally, students examine the often contested political and legislative response of Americans to environmental problems since the late 19th century.