136-335 A History of Nature (Science 3)

Usually two second year HPS subjects.

This subject traces the historical changes that occurred over the last 500 years, as Europeans spread out from the continent during the 15th century voyages of discovery and discovered new frontiers that challenged their scientific and social beliefs. We will follow the changes in the environmental sciences that accompanied these voyages as they transformed notions of geography, natural history, evolutionary biology, geology and ecology. Case studies will include America, Australia, the colonial world, and developing nations. Environmental issues ranging from introduced species, sustainability, resource management, pollution, overpopulation, environmental engineering and virtual natures will also be examined. The historical questions that will frame our journey will include issues of local versus Western knowledge, field work versus laboratory work, environment and race, and control over the environment. This subject should be of interest to students who would like to learn more about the origins of the environmental sciences and our ongoing attempts to live within a changing environment.