Theories and Concepts of Human Ecology
Code
73220100
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas
Department
Sociologia
Credits
10
Teacher in charge
João Lutas Craveiro
Weekly hours
2
Teaching language
Portuguese
Objectives
This Curriculum Unit aims at giving students a broad view of the various theoretical developments in Human Ecology (HE).
The focus is on the different perspectives that the various scientific areas have offered to HE. The course discusses the nature of HE the field of study, discipline, meta-discipline, trans-discipline perspective, method of analysis, way of thinking and acting, the holistic and systemic approach as opposed to the paradigm of subject and specialised knowledge. It also discusses the contributions of HE within sustainable governance, the development of methodologies which value the relationship between
different types of knowledge and explain the social interests involved in decision-making and environmental mediation. It will discuss the theories and concepts of HE, the contribution of the various social sciences to the definition of the scientific and research body of HE and its contribution towards the definition and implementation of new development paradigms.
Prerequisites
Subject matter
The content of this course was prepared to enable students entering the doctoral program after completing a Masters degree in Human Ecology to obtain in-depth knowledge and for other students starting out in this area. These students will be given additional bibliographic resources and extra tutorial mentoring so that by the end of the semester the students knowledge will be more homogeneous.
It is intended that students acquire a broad view of the various theoretical developments that have taken place over the 20th Century and this decade and have familiarised themselves with the multidisciplinary approaches which make up the various forms of knowledge in this area.
Bibliography
Atksison, G; Dietz, S; Neumeyer, E. (2007). Handbook of Sustainable Development. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Pub
Boon E. K. & Hens L. (Eds.) (2007). Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Sustainable Development: Relevance for Africa. Delhi: KAMLA-RAJ Enterprises.
Bruhn, J. (1974). Human Ecology: A Unifying Science?. Human Ecopoly, Vol.2, No. 2: 105/125.
Buttel, F. (1996). Sociologie et environnement: la lente maturation de lécologie humaine. Revue International des Sciences Sociales, n.109, 1996 : 359/379.
Ehrlich, P. R; Ehrlich, A. H.; Holdren, J. P. (1973). Human Ecology: Problems and Solutions. Freeman, San Francisco.
Gifford, R. (2007). Environmental Psychology: Principles and Practice (4th ed.). Colville, WA: Optimal Books
Gross, M. (2004). Human Geography and Ecological Sociology: The Unfolding of a Human Ecology, 1890 to 1930 and Beyond. Social Science History 28 (4): 575-605.
Martin G. (2001). Human Ecology. Earthscan.U.K.
Teaching method
Type of teaching
This will combine lectures followed by discussion of concepts with seminars in which students are encouraged to participate in
discussions about previously assigned texts.
Evaluation method
Evaluation
A research paper written on a topic agreed upon with the teacher
Oral presentation and discussion during a seminar, on the main conclusions and methodology used.
The aim is to assess whether the student shows the ability to apply theoretical foundations to the \"real world\".