Introduction to Human Ecology

Title of the Course: Introduction to Human Ecology

Course Type: Ability Enhancement Optional Courses (AEOC)

Course Instructor: Dr. Suresh Babu (suresh[at]aud[dot]ac[dot]in) and Dr. Budhaditya Das (Course coordinator; budhaditya[at]aud[dot]ac[dot]in)

Introduction

This course introduces students to the various interdisciplinary perspectives on Human Ecology, a heterodox field that studies the multivalent relations between humans and the natural environment. The themes, topics and perspectives taught in the course are not located in disciplinary silos; rather they are taught as interdisciplinary concerns that straddle the science-social science divide. The three clusters in the course have been developed with the vision of engaging with three important/ central ideas in Human Ecology.

Learning Objectives

• The course introduces a more complex understanding of environmental issues and their relationship with society and development, deliberately creating ‘messiness’ in their understanding of processes and actors therein.
• To enable students to understand the politics of environmental policy and practice and to have a more nuanced understanding, going beyond the simplistic discourses of ‘environmental crises’ and apocalyptic narratives.

Expected Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course students should be able to

• To develop a complete understanding of the environment, one that tends to be ecological, social and political in nature simultaneously.
• To examine the human condition, across space and time, to be simultaneously ecological and social.
• To have a well-rounded exposure to important environmental issues and challenges of the contemporary world
• To develop a basic level of critical thinking on contemporary environmental issues.

Overall Structure

Indicative Readings

• Myers, N., Mittermeier, R. A., Mittermeier, C. G., Da Fonseca, G. A., & Kent, J. (2000). Biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities. Nature, 403(6772), 853-858.
• Tilman, D. & Downing, J. A. (1994). Biodiversity and stability in grasslands. Nature, 367, 363-365
• Quammen, D. (1996). The Song of the Dodo: Island Biogeography in an Age of Extinction. London.
• Adams, D., & Carwardine, M. (1990). Last Chance to See. London: Pan Books.
• Diamond, J. (1997). Gun, Germs & Steel: The Fates of Human Societies. London: W. W. Norton.
• Gadgil, M. and R. Guha (1994). “Ecological conflicts and the environmental movement in
• India”. Development and Change, Vol. 25, 101-136
• Brockington, Daniel and James Igoe. "Eviction for Conservation: A Global Overview." Conservation and Society, Vol.4, No.3, 2006: 424-470.

Assessment Methodology

There will be four assessments of 25% weightage each. Three of the assessments will be from the three clusters (I, II and III) and there will be a final project submission based on any one topic from the modules.