Why do shortages of natural resources sometimes lead to conflict, while other times they encourage cooperation? How do environmental conflicts reflect social inequalities, and can environmental peacebuilding efforts create lasting change?
Explore these questions in Resource Conflicts and Environmental Peacebuilding, an interdisciplinary course offered by Dr. Emily McKee in Spring 2027.
Through ethnographic books, articles, films, news reports, and case studies from around the world, students will examine the relationships between natural resources, political conflict, social inequality, and environmental cooperation.
Topics include:
How resource shortages contribute to conflict or cooperation.
The role of social inequalities in environmental conflicts, both within and across national borders.
The impacts of environmental peacebuilding initiatives on communities and ecosystems.
The course brings together perspectives from anthropology, environmental studies, and other fields, making it a great option for students interested in environmental justice, sustainability, international relations, and conflict resolution.
Course Details
Course: ANTH 466/566, ENVS 466
Semester: Spring 2027
Meeting Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30–10:45 a.m.
Instructor: Dr. Emily McKee
Additional Requirement: Satisfies NIU's Writing Infused Course requirement
Interested students can find the course in MyNIU when planning their Spring 2027 schedules.
For more information or questions, contact Dr. Emily McKee at ekmckee@niu.edu.
