2009 Fall ENVIRON 152S-01
Bulletin Course Description Environmental and natural resources as a source of conflict and/or peacebuilding between and within nations and states. Analysis of the role of the environment in the conflict cycle and international security. Topics include refugees, climate change, water, and infectious disease. Particular focus on post-conflict and rebuilding in war-torn societies. Examination of the role of international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and emerging standards for environmental management. Examples drawn from conflicts such as Rwanda, Israel/Palestine, Nepal, Sierra Leone and others. Instructor: Weinthal
(Instructor named in bulletin description above may not be current. For current instructor, see listing below.)
Title ENVIRONMENT AND CONFLICT Department ENVIRON Course Number 2009 Fall 152S Section Number 01 Primary Instructor Weinthal,Erika S Prerequisites
Synopsis of course content
How do the environment and natural resources affect conflicts between and within states? Can the environment or natural resource management facilitate peace and help to rebuild war-torn societies? This course will examine the many ways in which the environment and natural resources affect political governance and the economic well-being of the world’s populations. In this course we will focus on a number of conflicts to understand the role of the environment in the conflict spectrum. We will explore the role of particular natural resources, including water, oil and diamonds. Other topics will include climate change, refugees, and infectious diseases. Examples will come from particular conflicts such as those of Rwanda, Israel/Palestine, Nepal, and Sierra Leone and others.
Assignments
Active discussion is a central component of the class. To facilitate discussion, students will prepare with a short critique of the readings and a list of questions generated by the readings. The reading will be a mix of theoretical essays and policy briefs.
Term Papers
Students will write one paper on a conflict of their choice. Over the course of the semester, students will turn in installments (4-6 pages)of the paper corresponding to the different phases of the conflict cycle.
