Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review"More about possibilities than prescription,
A Primer for Teaching Environmental History is one of the most compelling texts on course design I’ve encountered—which is why I will keep it nearby as I revise my own environmental and U.S. history courses." -- Amy Kohout * Western Historical Quarterly *
"Wakild and Berry have accomplished a first. They have published a usable, innovative, and relevant guide to teaching environmental history that should be on every historian’s bookshelf at a time when enrollment trends jeopardize the stability and future of the humanities. From this perspective,Wakild and Berry provide a compelling defense of the profession. Instructors must continue to adapt to the shifting landscape of academia in the twenty-first century. It is only fitting that environmental historians be at the forefront of that effort."
-- Brittany B. Fremion * Environmental History *
"The richness of content and context provided by Wakild and Berry makes it hard to not want to teach a course on environmental history, or at the very least attempt one of the assignments outlined in the book. Still, the book deserves a wider audience than just those who might readily see its appeal and educators from a variety of fields and levels of experience could find ways to adapt the approaches to their lesson plans and goals. It is an excellent starting point for designing a new course or even refreshing the content of an existing one." -- Abbey Lewis * Electronic Green Journal *
"Every environmental historian, or those wishing to inject a little environmental history into their curriculum, should read [this book]. It is a rich and engaging resource for all aspects of environmental history pedagogy. The authors have a wealth of teaching experience and their enthusiasm for their subject is infectious." -- Frank Zelko * Journal of World History *
“This very timely and important book has ideas for almost every kind of educator, and a little environmental history can go a long way. I have recommended it to friends and colleagues who teach in both high schools and colleges, and I recommend it to you now.”
-- Raechel Lutz * H-Environment, H-Net Reviews *
"This book has the immense merit of inviting all historians to consider the need to integrate a material and ecological dimension into their teaching." -- Renaud Becot * Review of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Studies *
Table of ContentsPreface: How to Make Use of This Book ix
Acknowledgments xiii
Introduction 1
Part I. Approaches
1. The Fruit: Into Their Lunch Bags to Teach Relevance and Globalization with Food 13
2. The Seed: Using Learning Objectives to Build a Course 27
3. The Hatchet: Wielding Critique to Reconsider Periodization and Place 39
4. The Llama: Recruiting Animals to Blend Nature and Culture 53
Part II. Pathways
5. The Fields: Science and Going Outside 71
6. The Land: Sense of Place, Recognition of Spirit 85
7. The Power: Energy and Water Regimes 99
Part III. Applications
8. The People: Environmental Justice, Slow Violence, and Project-Based Learning 115
9. The Tools: Using Technology to Enhance Environmental History 131
10. The Test: Assessment Methods, Rubrics, and Writing 141
Epilogue 151
Notes 153
Bibliography 163
Index 177
