365 - Teaching Workshop. Teaching Race, Gender, and Colonialism within Environmental Sociology

Session Submission Type: Workshop

Abstract

While environmental justice has key origins within sociology, and a nod to gender and race is almost universal in environmental sociology courses, we contend that the topics of gender, race and colonialism remain under-theorized within both the scholarly sub-discipline and the classroom. A review of environmental sociology syllabi at the graduate and undergraduate level reveals that 1) discussion of gender, race and colonialism/decolonization are generally brief, 2) when included, concepts of gender, race and colonialism/decolonization are rarely addressed in ways that incorporate the leading theory from these fields, 3) large majorities of the authors assigned for course readings at both graduate and undergraduate levels are white and male, 4) especially when it comes to gender, we notice periodic postings to the Environment and Technology listserv requesting teaching resources. Indeed, while gender and race are at least present, sociological engagement with indigenous experiences or the concepts of colonialism and decolonization are only just beginning. This workshop will provide examples of 3 classroom modules that incorporate key sociological theory with hands on activities. Teaching resources and reading lists on each topic will be included. While this workshop is focused around courses in environmental sociology, material and resources will be presented in a manner to facilitate those teaching courses in gender, race or indigenous perspectives who wish to learn more about how their courses can include the environment.

Sub Unit

• Teaching Workshop

Session Organizer

• Kari Marie Norgaard, University of Oregon

Leader

• Kari Marie Norgaard, University of Oregon

Co-Leaders

• Emily Huddart Kennedy, Washington State University

• Julie Bacon, University of Oregon