BIOL 355 - Rethinking the Invasive Species Challenge

1 unit(s)

(Same as STS 355) What would it mean to approach the phenomenon of biological invasion in North America as an environmental justice issue? This course, “Rethinking the Invasive Species Challenge,” situates prevailing engagements with biological invasion in both the natural sciences and the humanities by re-routing the conversation through Native studies. Focusing on North America, the course will historicize biological invasion, paying careful attention to its entanglements with settler colonialism and racial capitalism. Through multi-disciplinary engagement with biological invasion and the field of invasion biology, students explore the historical roots of a pressing ecological challenge, the connections between scientific research and its applications, and critical Indigenous engagements with colonial epistemologies and land practices. In addition to honing valuable interpretative and synthetic reading skills, students have an opportunity to pursue their own interests through a significant research project related to course themes. Course texts are drawn from across the disciplines and divisions. Fields represented include environmental history, anthropology, invasion biology, environmental studies, and Indigenous STS.

One 2-hour period.

Not offered in 2023/24.

Course Format: CLS