Society, Knowledge Systems and Environment (SOC*2280)

Code and section: SOC*2280*01

Term: Fall 2025

Instructor: Jeji Varghese

Details

Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Guelph
SOC*2280: Society, Knowledge Systems & Environment Fall 2025
Instructor: Dr. J. Varghese Course E-mail: soc2280@uoguelph.ca

Course Description and Approach:
Calendar Description: “This course provides students with an introduction to the nature and dimensions of the environmental crisis by examining knowledge systems and their relationships with the environment. These foundations are intended to enable respective, respectful, reciprocal, and meaningful engagement between Indigenous and science-based knowledge systems in cross-cultural environmental stewardship/governance. Issues to be examined may include climate change and variability, nuclear energy, environmental toxins, species extinction, and population growth pressures… Prerequisite(s): 1 of ANTH*1150, GEOG*1220, IDEV*1000, INDG*1000, SOC*1100 - must be completed prior to taking this course.”
Course Overview: In this course, you’ll explore how different ways of knowing—also called knowledge systems—shape the way we understand and manage the environment. You’ll learn why these systems matter in environmental decision-making and how they influence the relationship between people and the natural world. We’ll use a cultural framework to help you identify the key parts of various knowledge systems, and you’ll get the chance to compare and contrast them. By reflecting on your own way of knowing, you’ll also develop the skills to explain your perspective to someone from a different background or worldview. This course will help you think critically about how society and the environment interact, and prepare you to engage with diverse perspectives in real-world environmental challenges. These foundations are intended to enable respective, respectful, reciprocal, and meaningful engagement between Indigenous and Western sciencebased knowledge systems in cross-cultural environmental governance. Socio-ecological themes may include ecological democracy, environmental (in)justice, environmental social movements, sociology of risk and realistic constructivist. Generative AI literacy will also explore the potential impacts in understanding and addressing environmental issues. A central focus of the course will be on traditional
ecological knowledge/Indigenous knowledge systems and Indigenous pedagogies. Students will have an opportunity to participate in a Community Focused Learning (CFL) or a Community Engaged Learning (CEL) Project in a collaborative learning team (CLT). Pedagogical Approach: The learning outcomes for the course noted below will be achieved through interactive lectures (including multimedia clips and in-class activities/discussions), opportunities to engage with Indigenous pedagogies (including circles and land-based pedagogies) and formative and summative assessments. To meet the learning outcomes, students are expected to attend all classes, critically engage with course materials before and during class, participate actively and thoughtfully, and treat all with respect, submit all assessments in a timely manner and review and apply feedback.
Course Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Reflexively explore Indigenous and decolonial approaches to own relationship to Land, Water, Fire, and Air .
2. Analyze contemporary socio-ecological challenges by applying a cultural knowledge systems framework, including a critical and ethical evaluation of how generative AI can inform, shape, or disrupt our understanding and responses to these challenges.
3. Examine how conflicts between knowledge systems impact environmental governance.
4. Critically evaluate environmental justice and environmental governance issues by engaging perspectives from multiple knowledge systems.
5. Create effective communication strategies for bridging gaps between diverse knowledge systems in environmental contexts.
6. Showcase strong critical reading, note-taking, time management, and collaborative abilities for successful academic, professional and civic engagement.
7. Exhibit proactive responsibility and a growth mindset in pursuing continuous learning and personal development.
Course Materials:
Course materials will be accessible via CourseLink a week in advance (for Lecture Prep, Element 1) and will be available via ARES Course Reserves System through the library website.

1 Assessment breakdown and elements may change prior to the release of the official syllabus in September 2025.