Human-Environmental Relations in Japan

In partnership with Professor Linda White, I have undertaken an independent project to develop the syllabus for a new Middlebury course on human-environmental relations in Japan. The anthropological approach of this class... [ view full abstract ]

In partnership with Professor Linda White, I have undertaken an independent project to develop the syllabus for a new Middlebury course on human-environmental relations in Japan. The anthropological approach of this class focuses on economy, religion, politics, and cultural understandings of humans' responsibilities with and relations to their place of existence. In addition, this project has involved an investigation of innovative pedagogy to engage students in the course material while providing an opportunity for personal inquiry and multimedia experiential learning.

The aim of this course is to explore the interplay of environment and human culture and to help students develop an appreciation of the numerous facets of environmental practices in Japan through a critical, historical lens. This project explores subjects that have in the past or currently influence behavior and belief concerning the environment. These include but are not limited to economy, food production, health and wartime realities, nuclear power and other energy sources, identity and gender, citizenship, and spiritual ideologies and practices. The inherent contrasts between Japan as an economic superpower and a society that holds a commitment to responsible environmental stewardship will be explored in depth.