TOPICS: LAW, COLONIALISM, AND THE ENVIRONMENT in Spring 2027 (HI3910C)

This course investigates the environmental crisis through the interwoven histories of colonialism and law. It examines how colonial legal systems facilitated environmental degradation, entrenched racialized ownership regimes, and established structures that continue to influence environmental challenges today. From the Columbian Exchange and the transformation of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest to contemporary issues such as land grabs in the Amazon and indigenous eco-apocalyptic narratives, this course highlights the deep historical roots of environmental exploitation. Students will explore concepts such as the Anthropocene, Plantationocene, and Capitalocene, alongside the roles of corporate colonialism and global commodity chains in shaping modern environmental crises. By engaging with case studies—including mining in West Central Africa, the United Fruit Company, and the carbon market’s impact on indigenous communities—students will critically analyze the legacies of colonialism in shaping legal and ecological realities. By the end of the course, students will have a nuanced understanding of how historical legal systems and colonial practices have contributed to the global environmental crisis, equipping them to critically assess contemporary challenges and envision pathways to environmental justice.