Course Overview
The purpose of this course is to introduce key sociological concepts and theoretical perspectives in environmental sociology by exploring the dynamics between politics, power, and inequality. We will begin with a basic introduction to understanding theoretical perspectives such as ecological modernization and ecological degradation and how these concepts influence human society and nonhuman natures.
Then we will move into an examination of the relationship between economy and gender, racial inequalities, considering the consequences for socioecological inequalities. We will also explore economic inequalities among wealthy nations and peripheries, along with ecological effects that extend beyond national boundaries. We will conclude the course by examining the role of environmental movements, international organizations, global media, and environmental relations of indigenous people in understanding the relationship between people and nature.
We will explore the histories and challenges faced by Indigenous groups in Africa, East Asia, Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. We will expand our knowledge about Indigenous peoples outside of North America, their histories and cultures, their interactions with others, and the issues they face in their respective regions.
All students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to request a Syracuse University credit transcript.
Learning Objectives
When this course is completed, the students will be able to:
- Attain a basic understanding of the sociological concepts and theoretical perspectives in environmental sociology.
- Explore the complex interactions between human society and nonhuman natures.
- Comprehend the crucial role of power and social inequality in the interconnection of human society and the natural world.
- Analyze the profound consequences of environmental degradation on issues related to inequality, environmental justice, and environmental impacts.
- Recognize the relationship between social inequality and ecological dynamics.
- Expand knowledge about Indigenous peoples outside of North America, their histories and cultures, their interactions with others, and the issues they face in their respective regions.
Course Information
Course Prefix and Number: GEO 103
Format: Online
Eligibility: Students must be of rising high school junior, or senior status – or a 2026 high school graduate.
Credit: 3 credits
Grading: A-F
Cost: $3,165
Program rates are subject to change and will be approved by the board of trustees. Discounts and scholarships are also available.
Program Information
Summer College – Online: Explore college life before stepping foot on campus! High school students can enroll in a college-level course, pursue their academic interests, and meet likeminded students in daily virtual events and activities.
Course Dates and Details
| Program | Course Dates | Synchronous Class Time (Eastern Time) | Credit/Noncredit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer College – Online | 3-Week Session I: Monday, July 6 – Thursday, July 23, 2026 | MTWTh; 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. | 3 Credits |
To see if this course is ‘open,’ refer to the full course catalog.
Typical Day
Tentative Schedule
- Mini lectures (10 minutes): I start the class with short 10-minute lectures to introduce key theoretical concepts and topics.
- Small Group Discussions: Students will engage in small group discussions to delve deeper into the presented material and exchange ideas and thoughts.
- In-class activities: To enhance learning, I incorporate various in-class activities, which will include group projects and problem solving.
- Writing assignments: to produce an effective written communication and enhance writing skills
Additionally, over the course of two weeks, students will have guest lectures from experts in the field. These guest lectures offer diverse perspectives and insights from practitioners and researchers.
A typical schedule will look like:
- 9.00-9.10 am – mini lecture
- 9:10-9:30 am – reflection and discussion
- 9:30 – 9:40 am – mini lecture
- 9:40 – 10:00 am – activity and discussion
- 10:00 – 10:10 am – mini lecture
- 10:10 am – 10:40 am – small group discussion
- 5-minute break
- 10:45 am – 11:00 am – mini lecture
- 11:00 – 11:40 am – lunch break
- 11:40 – 12:00 pm – lecture
- 12:00 – 1:00 pm – activity and closing discussion
When class is over, and on weekends, students can look forward to various Summer College virtual activities to meet and connect with other students across the world. Check out our Virtual Campus Experience page for more information!
Faculty Bio
Sohrob Aslamy
Sohrob Aslamy is a PhD candidate in the Department of Geography and the Environment at Syracuse
University. Sohrob completed bachelor’s degrees in political science and Near Eastern Languages and
Civilizations at University of Washington in 2014 and a master’s degree in Geography at SU in 2018. Sohrob’s master’s research concerned community organizing around water management along the southeastern border of the Central Asian Republic of Tajikistan. His current doctoral research looks at patterns of investment and urban development around the effort to build a new capital city in Afghanistan. Sohrob also enjoys learning more about the history and environments of Central New York and going on forest walks with his dog.