ANT 351-000: Sustainable Dev:Anthro Persp (Spring 2010)

Semester Details: Sustainability has been called the challenge of the 21st century, but it is also the new buzzword of development work, both in the U.S. and abroad. We will explore efforts around the world to create or continue lifeways that balance the multiple dimensions of sustainability: environmental soundness, economic vitality, political participation, and social justice. Anthropological studies in Latin America, Asia, and Africa will allow us to probe the perspectives of different actors and the challenges faced in different cultures. This is a course for advanced anthropology students and ANT 101 or 202 or other experience with cultural anthropology is strongly recommended.  Students will have an opportunity to carry out a research project related to sustainable development, either in Atlanta or abroad, through library research.

Other topics will include:

-what are the different paradigms of economic "progress" used by different groups in governments, NGOs and local groups?  What lines of conflict or consensus are emerging?

-what are current trends in the globalization of agriculture and industry?  In what ways does sustainability present challenges?  How does globalization serve sustainability goals?

 -How do fears about global population growth intersect with families' desire for children and the rights of women?  What are the trade-offs of alternative policies to slow population growth in India, China, and Brazil?

-How are patterns of consumption changing?  How do developed-country efforts to rethink values such as the simple living, fair trade, and co-housing movements compare with other countries' approaches? 

Students will write three summary essays on course materials.  A final 15-20 page research paper will allow participants to earn writing requirement credit.  There will be no exams.