Weeds, Wastelands and the Salvation of the World (FNDS 3201)
What are the connections between cities, weeds, social problems and the climate crisis?
This class considers the dynamic, evolving relationship between cities and nature in light of the challenges presented by climate change. And we will take a lot of walks.
This course covers topics in the disciplines of Sociology, History, Ecology, Literature.
Who should take this course?
Students interested in experiencing the natural and social environment of the city as a source of problems and solutions.
More about this course
Course number: FNDS 3201
Number of Credits: 4
Search UM-Dearborn Class Schedule to find out more.
Dearborn Discovery Core requirements met: Critical and Creative Thinking, Intersections.
Meet your faculty member: Paul Draus, Professor of Sociology; Director, Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
One of the benefits of taking a Foundations course is gaining a faculty mentor that can support you throughout your college career. Get to know Paul Draus, faculty member for Weeds, Wastelands and the Salvation of the World.
In a previous life, Paul Draus was a public health field worker in New York City and Chicago, and he even wrote a book about it (Consumed in the City: Observing Tuberculosis at Century’s End, 2004).
He has published more than 20 articles and book chapters on topics ranging from substance abuse and street sex work to urban agriculture and prison education. His most recent research focuses on neighborhood landscape change in Detroit. He is especially interested in the benefits of expanding green space and access to wild natural spaces in post-industrial cities.
Have questions about this course? Email Dr. Draus at [email protected].