The following syllabi come from a variety of different terms. They illustrate the evolution of this course over time, and are intended to provide alternate views into the instruction of this course.
Spring 2008, Harriet Ritvo (PDF)
This course explores the relationship between the study of natural history, both domestic and exotic, by Europeans and Americans, and concrete exploitation of the natural world, focusing on the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
The course is designed for graduate students in history, the history of science, and the history of technology, who have a serious interest in environmental history. The course readings, discussion and assignments are intended to emphasize a variety of themes and approaches. The course surveys a range of places and times, such as those represented in works like E. C Pielou’s After the Ice Age: the return of life to glaciated North America, Charles Darwin’s classic Voyage of the Beagle: Charles Darwin’s Journal of researches as well as in contemporary works of historical scholarship.
Major course themes include: the environmental effects of European imperialism; the globalization of contagious disease; mass transfer (intentional and unintentional) of species of plants, and animals between Europe and other world regions; contact between divergent cultures; and the environmental impact of modern technologies both within and outside of Europe.
Students are required to complete lengthy readings prior to each class. Each week two students will set the stage for discussion by introducing the key questions and themes addressed in the readings.
Students are also required to submit a research paper of at least 20 pages on a topic of their choosing. Each student must present a proposal for his or her final paper and give progress reports throughout the term. Students are also required to present their final paper in class.The 20-page paper assignment constitutes the largest part of the course grade. Class participation is also a significant part of the final grade.