The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture brings Tony Robinson, adjunct professor of environmental sustainability at SMU and associate editor at EarthPeople Media, back for another series on Culture and the Environment: Humans in the Natural World. The lecture series will continue over four Wednesdays: February 12th, March 12th, April 9th, and May 14th and is open to members, non-members and teachers. 

ECOLOGY, February 12. Ecology is a truly interdisciplinary field, integrating such disciplines as biology, philosophy, chemistry, ethics, etc. What does ecology tell us about how the human organism interacts with its environment? Do human beings have a different kind of relationship with the biosphere than other organisms? Is culture part of the answer?

POLITICS, March 12. Political systems influence our behavior in numerous ways, including the footprint of human culture on the environment. Where do politics, the environment and the media intersect? How can citizens better communicate the issues by using the "framing" concept, for example, of George Lakoff? How can citizens affect change in public policy and the environment? EarthPeople Media President Anna Clark will join Mr. Robinson as a guest lecturer for his session on political communication on March 12.

ANTHROPOLOGY, April 9. What does the fossil record say about how early hominids dealt with the environment? Homo Sapien is a supreme tool-maker, which has helped humanity develop numerous ways to improve chances for survival. But is our tool-making prowess outstripping our ability to make good judgments about the environment? How can humans adopt more sustainable practices in the biosphere?

ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY, May 14. Economic geography, like ecology, is an interdisciplinary field of inquiry. Among other things, it examines how the geophysical location of resources influences the development of economic systems and human cultures. How does the more recent and widespread exploitation of minerals and fossil fuels dominate the direction of human society? Is this a temporary phenomenon, a stage in the evolution of human culture?

Tuition: Members $80, Nonmembers $90, Teachers $30
Registration for the Entire Semester

Per evening: $25, $30, & $10
Registration for February 12th only
Registration for March 12th only
Registration for April 19th only
Registration for May 14th only

Event Location: 
The Dallas Institute of Humanities & Culture
2719 Routh St
Dallas , TX
Date and Time: 
Wednesday, May 14, 2014 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm