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PHIL 219

I. Course Title: Environmental Ethics (GE)

II. Course Number: PHIL 219

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: None

V. Course Description: 

This course is a systematic study of environmental ethics, a branch of philosophy that has emerged as a response to the profound impact of human practices on the natural environment, its ecosystems, and other species.

Note(s): General Education and Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

What is the appropriate ethical relationship between humans and the rest of nature?  This course is a systematic study of environmental ethics, a branch of philosophy that has emerged as a response to the profound impact of human practices on the natural environment, its ecosystems, and other species.  Environmental ethics emerged in recent decades as a distinct discipline, but it draws from highly articulated traditions that reach back to ancient times.  The perspectives we will explore have a significant bearing on how we understand ourselves and nature and what policies we will endorse in relation to the more-than-human world.  We will aim for an inquiring tone that is both sympathetic and critical, digging deep for valuable insights while actively taking up marginalized standpoints that may destabilize our initial conclusions.  Course work will culminate in a philosophical analysis of a chosen environmental problem.

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

Course format will be both lecture and discussion, with students occasionally responsible for focusing class discussion. This course will include careful examination of primary and secondary sources. Among the learning activities students can expect, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Lecture and discussion led by the instructor
  2. Small group discussion
  3. Formal or informal debates
  4. Individual and/or group oral presentations
  5. Informal and formal writing assignments
  6. Individual and collaborative research activities
  7. Written and oral analysis of environmental ethics cases
  8. Likely field experiences
  9. Guest lecturers/presenters

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

Students will:

  1. Demonstrate an ability to identify the ethical dimension of everyday choices, professional practices, and policies that have an environmental impact.
  2. Critically evaluate arguments from multiple perspectives regarding the appropriate relationship between humans, other animals, and natural systems.
  3. Demonstrate professional-level practical skills at philosophically analyzing environmental problems, with a special focus on diagnosing complex problems, analyzing environmental values, identifying potential conflicts (and avenues for collaboration), and facilitating democratic dialogue and debate.
  4. Demonstrate a basic literacy and critical understanding of key figures, concepts, frameworks, and terminology in environmental ethics, including historical antecedents of contemporary debates. 

VIII. Assessment Measures:

A variety of assessment tools will be used.  These may include quizzes/exams, writing assignments, presentations, and research papers, among others.

Review and Approval

August 2020

March 01, 2021

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