Author: Kenneth Gould

SOCY 2222: Sociology of Climate Change

Course Description: This course explores the social origins and social consequences of climate change. We look at the role of organizations, institutions, and social structures in the generation of greenhouse gasses, and the capacity of organizations, institutions, and social forces to limit the negative social and ecological impacts of global warming. We look at paths and mechanisms of social adaptation to planetary conditions unlike those that humans have ever experienced before. The course emphasizes social equity issues in the distribution of the social costs and benefits in the creation of the climate crisis. We examine the role of carboniferous capitalism in structuring a society that undermines its basic conditions for survival. We also analyze the effectiveness of the climate denial propaganda network in delaying social action to limit greenhouse gasses and examine the range of tactics and strategies employed by those attempting to limit climate change-related socioecological damage.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Define anthropogenic climate change with reference to systems of power and inequality.
2. Explain the social structural and institutional causes of climate change.
3. Analyze a climate change consequence through a sociological lens using various forms of data (primary, secondary, qualitative, quantitative).
4. Contribute to a team to study a socio-environmental problem and communicate the team’s findings to the general public.
5. Understand institutional interests in addressing or failing to address climate change.

Objectives of Course:

1. Introduce the processes of socio-environmental dynamics related to climate change.
2. Provide sociological analyses of climate change issues.
3. Provide exposure to the methods and character of data used by environmental sociologists examining climate change.
4. Develop skills to communicate environmental social science regarding climate change.

SOCY 2222: Sociology of Climate Change.

Author: Kenneth A. Gould

Success: Doing the reading, coming to class prepared to discuss the topic at hand, thinking critically, thoughtful writing, good note taking, cooperative teamwork, and effective verbal expression are the keys to success in this course.  You are expected to come prepared to class by doing the assigned readings and being ready to discuss the course material and ask questions. 

Respect: Climate change can be a “hot button” issue about which people are both deeply passionate and highly sensitive. You are expected to treat your classmates with proper respect, presenting your views in a reasoned and respectful manner, listening to the views of others carefully, and articulating disagreements in ways that generate more “light” than “heat”. You can expect the same from your professor. 

Disability Statement: Students should inform the professor if they have a disability or any other situation that may require Section 504/ADA accommodations. The faculty and staff will attempt to work out whatever arrangements are necessary. Please provide me with your course accommodation form and discuss your specific accommodation with me as soon as possible to ensure accommodations are met in a timely fashion. In order to receive disability-related academic accommodations students must first be registered with CSDS. Students who have a documented disability or suspect they may have a disability are invited to schedule an interview by calling (718) 951-5538 or emailing testingcsds@brooklyn.cuny.edu. If you have already registered with CSDS, email Josephine.Patterson@brooklyn.cuny.edu or testingcsds@brooklyn.cuny.edu to ensure the accommodation email is sent to your professor.

Quality of Writing: The form as well as the content of student written work will be a part of the student’s evaluation and grade. Correct grammar, punctuation, spelling and organization and clarity of thought will be assessed. Students should contact the Brooklyn College Learning Center, 951-5821, located in 1300 Boylan Hall, for assistance with writing. I am also available to consult with students about their writing.

Diversity and Inclusion: I strive to create a learning environment that supports a diversity of thoughts, perspectives, and opinions, and honors everyone’s identity (including race, gender, class, sexuality, religion, age, ability etc.) To accomplish this:

• If you have a preferred name or set of pronouns that differ from those in your official academic

records, please let me know.

• If you feel that your performance in this class is being impacted by your experiences outside of

class, please do not hesitate to come talk to me. If you would prefer to talk to someone outside of

the course, the Office of Diversity and Equity Programs is an excellent resource (2147 Boylan

Hall, (718) 951-4128).

• New York State Education Law (Title I, Article 5,Section 224-a) requires that we “make

available to each student who is absent from school, because of [their] religious beliefs, an

equivalent opportunity to make up any examination, study, or work requirements which [they]

may have missed because of such absence on any day or days.” If you must miss

class or an assignment due to your religious beliefs please communicate with your instructor so

we can plan to make up the class or work.

• I (like all of us) am always in the process of learning about diverse perspectives and identities. If anything is said in class that makes you uncomfortable (including by me) please come talk to me about it.

Student Bereavement Policy: Students who experience the death of a loved one must contact the Division of Student Affairs, 2113 Boylan Hall, 718.951.5352, studentaffairs@brooklyn.cuny.edu. The full bereavement policy may be found at:

https://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/web/about/initiatives/policies/bereavement.php

Undocumented Students: As an educator, I support the rights of undocumented students to an education. If you have any concerns in that regard, feel free to discuss them with me, and I will respect your wishes concerning confidentiality. For resources and support, please visit Brooklyn College’s Immigrant Student Support Office located at 117 Roosevelt Hall.  You can also contact them via email at ISSO@brooklyn.cuny.edu or via phone at +17189515023

Policy on Late Submissions/Incompletes: Timely submission of work is an important professional attribute. Work submitted late will be marked down accordingly at the discretion of the instructor. Faculty Council has determined the following policy for Incomplete Grades: A grade of Incomplete (INC) may be given at the discretion of the instructor when 1) a student has satisfactorily completed most, but not all, course requirements, and 2) a student provides to the instructor evidence documenting the extenuating circumstances that prevent the completion of course requirements by the end of the semester. Candidates receive grades of incomplete (INC) only when a situation beyond their control prevents them from completing course work. It is important to note that grades of INC will only be given if the instructor determines the grade is appropriate given the unusual extenuating circumstances and such circumstances are documented by the student. An incomplete grade in a course that is a prerequisite for another course must be cleared before the candidate can enter the next course. Final assignments not submitted on the due date at the end of the semester are given a grade of zero.