"Place-based methods for a livable planet: An introduction to environmental humanities Dr. Columba González-Duarte, Anthropology Department What does it mean to be ‘human’ in a time of ecological crisis? How have Western and Indigenous scholars in the humanities and social sciences explored our place on this planet, and what tools have they developed to deepen our understanding? This course examines how place-based approaches—emphasizing local stories, ethnographic research methods, and close observation—can illuminate the diverse and sometimes conflicting experiences of people around the world as they relate to nature. By integrating environmental, sociocultural, and Indigenous ecological frameworks rooted in territories and their histories, the course questions not only the essence of humanity but also the myriad ways cultures interact with and un/care for the planet. Ranging from the earliest human-animal relationships documented 70,000 years ago to contemporary intercontinental Indigenous hip-hop movements advocating for planetary stewardship, this class will teach how place-based approaches offer transformative possibilities for a more livable world. Blending environmental humanities theory with qualitative research methodologies, the course also features guest lectures from Indigenous leaders across the globe. These engagements invite students to learn from diverse knowledge systems and explore strategies for undertaking transformative, place-based research. **Students must register for both the lecture and discussion section of this course.** "