About the Course:

Environmental Justice explores the relationship between human identity and the environment.  Emerging from civil rights activism of the 1960s, environmental justice as a movement originally sought to bring to light the unequal burden of exposure to toxics in minority communities and among farmworkers.  Since that time, environmental justice has diversified into inter- and cross-disciplinary academic inquiry, legal and institutional protections, and an expanded international human rights agenda. This course surveys the history of environmental justice, and investigates both academic and activist techniques aimed at eliminating persistent, structural inequalities in access to safe and healthy environments for all.  In order to link theory and practice, this course builds on both the Community Based Learning (CBL) and Freedom Schools curricula by connecting students to community partners that work locally, and whose missions are to protect and promote human health and wellbeing. Student coursework in Environmental Justice over the semester includes a minimum 18-20 hours of work that directly supports our community partners, which also involves some participation in off-campus activities.

About Community-Based Learning:

Community Based Learning (CBL) classes, also sometimes called Service Learning Classes, foster the ability to connect academic learning with action in the world. At Drew, CBL classes strengthen community partners that serves the common good. They fulfill the Off-Campus Experience requirement and qualify as one of the Launch program’s immersive experiences.

Course Schedule & Registration:

Monday and Wednesday, 11:50am-1:05pm

ESS 383H – G (CRN: 10401) / PH 370H – G (CRN: 10282)