Environmental historical research began in the 1960s to interpret human history through the lens of both historical and ecological processes. The primary goal is to study the relationship between the physical and biological environments in past human societies. Firstly, there will be a review of the way environmental history thinks of processes in the disciplines and sub-disciplines that have developed. The second thematic unit of the course is the examination of the most important kinds of data that are used in environmental historical research. The classes will discuss scientific, archaeological, and historical sources about their use in the reconstruction of historical environments, climates, and human-nature interactions. The third major group of classes is dedicated to the discussion of case studies. Sometimes and in some places, societies display flexibility and resilience in the face of fluctuations in climate or human-induced changes that affect the immediate environment. At other times and places, small fluctuations or short-term solutions to environmental shifts can spell disaster to the subsistence base of the population, possibly with long-term consequences. Each class will introduce vulnerability and adaptation strategies on status, change, and crisis through examples from roughly the last two millennia.
Diseases, disasters, and dogs: Introduction to Themes in Global Environmental History
Time: Monday, 14.00-15.30 (from 8 February)
Location: Múzeum krt. 6-8. III/319. 1088 Budapest or online
Instructor: András Vadas, associate professor (office: I/136)
Email: vadas.andras@btk.elte.hu
Course Description
Environmental historical research began in the 1960s to interpret human history through the lens of both historical and ecological processes. The primary goal is to study the relationship between the physical and biological environments in past human societies. Firstly, there will be a review of the way environmental history thinks of processes in the disciplines and sub-disciplines that have developed. The second thematic unit of the course is the examination of the most important kinds of data that are used in environmental historical research. The classes will discuss scientific, archaeological, and historical sources about their use in the reconstruction of historical environments, climates, and human-nature interactions. The third major group of classes is dedicated to the discussion of case studies. Sometimes and in some places, societies display flexibility and resilience in the face of fluctuations in climate or human-induced changes that affect the immediate environment. At other times and places, small fluctuations or short-term solutions to environmental shifts can spell disaster to the subsistence base of the population, possibly with long-term consequences. Each class will introduce vulnerability and adaptation strategies on status, change, and crisis through examples from roughly the last two millennia.
Course Goals
The course introduces the key concepts and problems in global environmental history. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of fundamental themes in environmental history and relate these, critically and comparatively, to present global environmental change.
The course goal is to offer some insights into how cl
At the end of the course, the learner will be able to:
– To analyze how human societies and natural environments have mutually shaped each other over distinct historical eras.
– To evaluate primary and secondary sources using environmental history methodologies and frameworks.
– To evaluate the historical drivers of resource extraction, conservation efforts, and environmental movements.
– To critique historical narratives that omit ecological factors, land transformation, and non-human actors.
– To synthesize global, national, and local perspectives on how environmental changes impact different human populations unequally.
– To construct well-reasoned historical arguments that incorporate environmental data alongside socio-political contexts.
No previous courses or university education needed
Included in full description
Seminars, walking%virtual walking occasions
Transcript of records