Environment Sociology

1. Understand the relationship between culture and the environment.
2. Identify the key elements of culture and their impact on environmental practices.
3. Analyze cases of cultural adaptation to specific environments.
4. Evaluate the impact of religion and traditional practices on environmental protection.
5. Assess the effects of pollution, land use, and conflict on natural resources.
6. Apply the principles of climate justice and food sovereignty for sustainable development.

13 weeks, about 32 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Culture and the Environment

   • Unit 1: Culture and Its Elements · 2 hours

     Read the introduction to understand the scope of culture and its influence on environmental perspectives.. Define culture and identify its key elements as discussed in the unit.. Explore different approaches to studying culture, including anthropological and Maslow's approaches..

2. Week 2Module 1: Culture and the Environment

   • Unit 2: Elements of Culture · 2 hours

     Examine the meaning of material culture and its impact on marketing in foreign cultures.. Analyze how language reflects societal values and causes communication problems.. Discuss the role of aesthetics in design, colors, packaging, and media messages..

3. Week 3Module 1: Culture and the Environment

   • Unit 3: Cases of Cultural Adaptation · 2 hours

     Study the cases of cultural adaptation, focusing on Scandinavian-American folk fishers.. Examine the adaptation strategies of Afro-Caribbean people to their environment.. Analyze the adaptation practices of the people of Bali in sustaining rice cultivation..

4. Week 4Module 1: Culture and the Environment

   • Unit 4: Impact of Culture on the Environment · 2 hours

     Understand the impact of religion on environmental perspectives and practices.. Analyze human responses to the environment, including adaptive and maladaptive strategies.. Discuss the delicate relationship between people and the environment, emphasizing long-term consequences..

5. Week 5Module 1: Culture and the Environment

   • Unit 5: Cultural Practices That Protect the Environment · 2 hours

     Explore the role of taboos in environmental protection and conservation.. Understand the significance of sacred (totemic) species in various cultures.. Discuss how religious beliefs protect totemic species and their habitats..

6. Week 6Module 2: Culture and Biodiversity Conservation

   • Unit 1: Sacred Natural Sites · 2 hours

     Define sacred natural sites and understand their connection to religion.. Discuss the importance of sacred natural sites in nature conservation.. Explore the cultural values and ecosystem services provided by sacred natural sites..

7. Week 7Module 2: Culture and Biodiversity Conservation

   • Unit 2: Sacred Groves · 2 hours

     Understand the meaning of sacred groves and their distribution around the world.. Examine the roles of sacred groves in biodiversity conservation.. Discuss the traditional worship practices and their contribution to biodiversity protection..

8. Week 8Module 2: Culture and Biodiversity Conservation

   • Unit 3: Sacred Natural Sites and Spirituality · 2 hours

     Explore the connection between trees and spirits in various cultures.. Understand the significance of sacred trees and their spiritual meanings.. Discuss how plant diversity helps in the conservation of traditional cultures..

9. Week 9Module 2: Culture and Biodiversity Conservation

   • Unit 4: Bio-Cultural Diversity · 2 hours

     Understand the meaning of bio-cultural heritage and its components.. Explore the link between biological and cultural diversity.. Discuss how indigenous people preserve the world's biodiversity and languages..

10. Week 10Module 2: Culture and Biodiversity Conservation

    • Unit 5: Global Recognition of Sacred Sites · 2 hours

      Explore global recognition of sacred sites through various programs and conventions.. Understand the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) and its significance.. Discuss the World Heritage Convention and its role in protecting cultural and natural heritage..

11. Week 11Module 3: Pollution, Policies and Conservation Programmes

    • Unit 1: Impacts of Air Pollution · 2 hours

      Understand the effects of air pollution on humans, animals, and ecosystems.. Examine the causes and consequences of acid rain and global warming.. Discuss the health challenges associated with air pollution and its impact on wildlife..

    • Unit 2: Environmental Policies in Nigeria · 2 hours

      Review the National Policy on Drought and Desertification.. Examine the National Forest Policy.. Understand the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan..

12. Week 12Module 3: Pollution, Policies and Conservation Programmes

    • Unit 3: Land Use in Nigeria · 2 hours

      Understand the consequences of poor land use and its impact on the environment.. Discuss the dramatic changes in land cover and land use patterns.. Explore the conflicts associated with natural resource access and use..

    • Unit 4: Focus on Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge in Biodiversity Conservation · 2 hours

      Understand the importance of traditional and indigenous knowledge in biodiversity conservation.. Explore biodiversity-dependent services and their role in human well-being.. Discuss the link between traditional cultures and the Convention on Biological Diversity..

13. Week 13Module 4: Conflict, Nature and Natural Resources

    • Unit 5: Rights and Conservation · 2 hours

      Understand the rights of indigenous people and their connection to the environment.. Discuss citizen's participation in protecting the environment.. Explore the role of human rights in protected area management..

    • Unit 1: Effects of Conflict on Nature and Natural Resources · 2 hours

      Review the effects of conflict on nature and natural resources.. Understand the linkages between conflict and natural resources.. Discuss the impacts of war on ecosystems and individual organisms..