Anthropology 461 Historical Ecology
Fall Quarter 2015
Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:30-3:20, MEB 245




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Class Readings and Plans for Tuesday, October 6
Scientific and Humanistic Approaches to Historical Ecology

Class Plan
Read the four articles listed below, keeping in mind the instructors' questions below. Post your answers to any two of the questions below by 9:00 p.m. on October 5. Come to class prepared to discuss the three readings in light of what you know about the "Two Cultures," the "Culture Wars," and the relationship of both evolutionary theory and postmodern ideas to anthropology.

Instructors' questions:
  • David Barash summarizes C. P. Snow's classic expose of the "two culture" problem. In what way is that construct relevant to the issues raised in comparing Whitehead and Winterhalder, and where does Barash fall on the divide?
  • Consider Worster's statement (page 421) that "..ecology has become a branch of history." Does this represent the triumph of humanities over sciences, an imperialistic statement by what Barash calls "those who..were likely to turn their backs on human progress," or a promise of integration across the two cultures divide?
  • Winterhalder advocates a theoretical focus on evolution in historical ecology. How does he justify this? Would Levin agree?
  • Do you think Winterhalder's and Whitehead's views of historical ecology are compatible? How do they compare to Balee's position?
  • What is the difference between history and evolution, as authors are using the terms? Are there different definitions of the two terms that might arise in the study of historical ecology? If so, how do we make sure we are all using the words in the same way?
  • How can the various approaches advocated in these readings inform the "practical" side of ecology: policy-making, conservation, environmental management, and ecological restoration?
Readings