SOCL527: Ecology, Conservation and Culture , Postgraduate Study

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This module looks sociologically at the ideas and practices associated with the term ‘ecology’. We explore the multiple roots of the very idea of ecology - for example, ecology as a set of material interactions in nature, ecology as prescription for societal relations, ecology as political and social movements. In the course we learn how to trace these ideas within different discourses, representations and practices. We look historically at the development of the idea of ‘ecology’, up to the 20th century when ecology became a science crafted to serve the needs of the modern state and society. We examine the way this science has influenced ways of knowing, and ways of directing action upon, the natural and social world. Ideas of ecology inform, particularly, the idea of ‘conservation’. We look for ‘the social’ within policies and practices of conservation and explore the way in which these affect and re-order the lives of many humans and non-humans. The course draws upon constructivist perspectives of science, technology and nature that are well established in the social sciences (e.g. Cronon 1995, Szerszynski et al 1996, Macnaghten and Urry 1997, Castree and Braun 2001, Castree 2005, Demeritt 2006). As such it offers critical tools with which to think through the ways in which ecology and conservation both reflect and perform particular orderings of nature and society.

Topics covered

Introduction: the roots of ecological and conservation thinking

Ideas of nature within ecology

Models of conservation

‘Saving’ modern nature

Colonial natures

Global natures

Glocal natures: participation and cultural diversity

Conservation and capital

Digital natures

Field trip: new ‘naturecultures’

Indicative Reading

Adams, W. and Mulligan, M. (eds.) (2002) Decolonising Conservation, London: Earthscan.
Anker, Peder (2003) Imperial Ecology: Environmental Order in the British Empire, 1895-1945.
Bowker, G. (2005) Memory Practices in the Sciences, London and Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press.
Bryant, R. (2005) Nongovernmental organizations in environmental struggles: politics and the making of moral capital in the Philippines. New Haven: Yale University Press.
Cronon, W. (ed.) (1996) Uncommon Ground Rethinking the Human Place in Nature. London: Norton.
Descola, P. and Pálsson G. (1996) Nature and society: anthropological perspectives. London: Routledge.
Franklin, A (2002) Nature and Social Theory. London: Sage.
Hinchliffe, S. (2007) Geographies of Nature: Societies, Environments, Ecologies, London: Sage.
Ingold, T. (2000) The Perception of the Environment: Essays in Livelihood, Dwelling and Skill, London: Routledge.
Jasanoff, S. and Martello, M. (2004) Earthly Politics: local and Global in Environmental Governance. Cambridge, Mass. The MIT Press.
Tsing, A. (2005) Friction: An Ethnography of Global Connection, Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Worster, Donald (1994) Nature's Economy: A History of Ecological Ideas. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Second Edition.

Student Comments

I came to Lancaster University in 2012 with high expectations about studying in a research intensive programme and I found these expectations were met in the module, Ecology Conservation and Culture (SOCL 527). As part of my MA in Sociology training I took this module and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had the opportunity to explore various ideas around ecology and conservation from a sociological point of view. Moreover not only discourses but also representations and practices in ecology and conservation were addressed. Each week, there were plenty of opportunities to discuss ecological and conservation knowledges and the issues raised, thanks to the variety of references provided. What I valued the most, however, was in fact to have had the opportunity of sharing with classmates from different cultural and academic backgrounds. I think this particular module grabs the attention of students from different areas and provides strong opportunities for dialogue and building upon different frameworks. -Derly Yohanna Sßnchez Vargas,

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MA Menu Introduction Our Degrees Modules Student Profiles Fees and Funding How to Apply Careers See also: Resources for Current Students	SOCL527: Ecology, Conservation and Culture Course Convenor: Claire Waterton Aims and Scope Examine the role that sociology and social theory can play in understanding ecological thinking and its role in society Trace the different ways in which conceptions of society inform this science and the practices associated with it Explore the ways in which ecology and ecological practices shape and reshape nature-society relationships in material , spatial, political and ethical ways Course Approach This module looks sociologically at the ideas and practices associated with the term ‘ecology’. We explore the multiple roots of the very idea of ecology - for example, ecology as a set of material interactions in nature, ecology as prescription for societal relations, ecology as political and social movements. In the course we learn how to trace these ideas within different discourses, representations and practices. We look historically at the development of the idea of ‘ecology’, up to the 20th century when ecology became a science crafted to serve the needs of the modern state and society. We examine the way this science has influenced ways of knowing, and ways of directing action upon, the natural and social world. Ideas of ecology inform, particularly, the idea of ‘conservation’. We look for ‘the social’ within policies and practices of conservation and explore the way in which these affect and re-order the lives of many humans and non-humans. The course draws upon constructivist perspectives of science, technology and nature that are well established in the social sciences (e.g. Cronon 1995, Szerszynski et al 1996, Macnaghten and Urry 1997, Castree and Braun 2001, Castree 2005, Demeritt 2006). As such it offers critical tools with which to think through the ways in which ecology and conservation both reflect and perform particular orderings of nature and society. Topics covered Introduction: the roots of ecological and conservation thinking Ideas of nature within ecology Models of conservation ‘Saving’ modern nature Colonial natures Global natures Glocal natures: participation and cultural diversity Conservation and capital Digital natures Field trip: new ‘naturecultures’ Assessment One 5,000 word essay. Indicative Reading Adams, W. and Mulligan, M. (eds.) (2002) Decolonising Conservation, London: Earthscan. Anker, Peder (2003) Imperial Ecology: Environmental Order in the British Empire, 1895-1945. Bowker, G. (2005) Memory Practices in the Sciences, London and Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press. Bryant, R. (2005) Nongovernmental organizations in environmental struggles: politics and the making of moral capital in the Philippines. New Haven: Yale University Press. Cronon, W. (ed.) (1996) Uncommon Ground Rethinking the Human Place in Nature. London: Norton. Descola, P. and Pálsson G. (1996) Nature and society: anthropological perspectives. London: Routledge. Franklin, A (2002) Nature and Social Theory. London: Sage. Hinchliffe, S. (2007) Geographies of Nature: Societies, Environments, Ecologies, London: Sage. Ingold, T. (2000) The Perception of the Environment: Essays in Livelihood, Dwelling and Skill, London: Routledge. Jasanoff, S. and Martello, M. (2004) Earthly Politics: local and Global in Environmental Governance. Cambridge, Mass. The MIT Press. Tsing, A. (2005) Friction: An Ethnography of Global Connection, Princeton: Princeton University Press. Worster, Donald (1994) Nature's Economy: A History of Ecological Ideas. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Second Edition. «Go Back Student Comments I came to Lancaster University in 2012 with high expectations about studying in a research intensive programme and I found these expectations were met in the module, Ecology Conservation and Culture (SOCL 527). As part of my MA in Sociology training I took this module and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had the opportunity to explore various ideas around ecology and conservation from a sociological point of view. Moreover not only discourses but also representations and practices in ecology and conservation were addressed. Each week, there were plenty of opportunities to discuss ecological and conservation knowledges and the issues raised, thanks to the variety of references provided. What I valued the most, however, was in fact to have had the opportunity of sharing with classmates from different cultural and academic backgrounds. I think this particular module grabs the attention of students from different areas and provides strong opportunities for dialogue and building upon different frameworks. -Derly Yohanna Sßnchez Vargas,	Degrees at a Glance MA Sociology MA Sociological Research MA Media and Cultural Studies MA Gender and Women's Studies MA/MSC Environment, Culture and Society Combined Masters Degree Questions? If you have any questions or require further information on any of our degree programmes please contact Sociology PG Admissions Talk to a current MA Student Want student perspective on course content, University life, the City of Lancaster or anything else? Email us to arrange a chat with a current student in the Department. Contact us
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See also:

SOCL527: Ecology, Conservation and Culture

Aims and Scope

Course Approach

Topics covered

Assessment

Indicative Reading

Student Comments

Degrees at a Glance

Questions?

Talk to a current MA Student