Online June 5-July 7 and in classroom July 17-21 (PHIL 495E, CRN 51276; or EVST 495E, CRN 51277) This course has a special course format (see below*). It offers a survey of some of the main interpretive themes of American environmental history in relation to the classical American environmental tradition. The importance of this tradition is immense, not only for the American strain of environmentalism and American culture, but also for its place and influence in international environmental consciousness. Readings include seminal articles by environmental historians on the conceptual foundations of the American relationship to nature, including examples of primary documents used to generate these interpretive frameworks. Also, sets of primary texts by canonical figures in American environmental thought, such as Aldo Leopold and Rachel Carson, are paired with recent monographs on the rise of American wilderness advocacy and the broader environmental health movement. This course provides participants with a solid background in normative environmental thought and raises important philosophical questions regarding the history of environmental issues in America. To understand this historical strain is not simply to understand history for history’s sake, but to remind ourselves of who we are, where we want to go, and what our relation to our environment and each other is and could be. *The special course format is an interesting one. There are largely asynchronous (no set times) online sessions from June 5 -July 7 (about 20 hours of contact time per course) during which participants investigate the course readings, participate in discussion boards, and complete some assignments. Then, when participants arrive in Missoula, face-to-face class time is about 25 hours over 5 days per course. This is a more relaxed short course format, which leaves time to explore and enjoy the Missoula area. If you’ve ever participated in an online course and wanted to meet your classmates in person, then these courses are for you. Conversely, if you’ve never taken an online course, these courses are a good introduction (with excellent technical support for the online portion), and yet they conclude in a traditional face-to-face classroom. Cost: $545 for 3 undergraduate or graduate credits/audit credits, or $410 for no-credit option (includes $50 online fee). Meeting times: Online course for 20 hours during the period of June 5 - July 7. Classroom meeting times are July 17-20 from 9:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:30-4:00 p.m., and July 21 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Room location: The Center for Ethics. Instructor: Dr. Andrew Light, Department of Philosophy and Evans School of Public Affairs, University of Washington Important Items: Syllabus Registration Flyer Travel and Housing Information