Latinx Environmental Justice: Research i

This course explores national case studies of environmental and racial injustice in Latinx communities and their connection to climate change. Students in the course will analyze, interpret, and evaluate cultural symbols and arguments from migrant farmworkers; Black Indigenous in cities; Afro-Latina women in rural, island contexts; and others who confront the most serious consequences of environmental degradation and climate disruption. It addresses theories and concepts of environmental racism and environmental justice, underscoring how Latinx groups have challenged, expanded, and contributed to the environmental justice discourse in struggles over public parks and beaches, clean air, clean water, pesticide exposure, lead poisoning, and high environmental risks since the 1960s. The course will examine distinct Latinx histories and geographies through the lens of essays, art and sound installations, short stories, documentaries, poetry, short films, and digital multimedia projects to understand better the environmental attitudes and issues that impact Latinx groups in the historical and increasingly urgent challenges of climate change and environmental injustice.