America is a nation famous for its independence. But the natural world is a place of interdependence of ecosystems in which all things are interconnected. How do we understand America differently when we study its history within this essential natural context? Open to students of all majors this course explores such vital topics as the interactions between Native Americans colonists and the environment; westward expansion; the creation of the national park system; the conservation and environmentalist movements; industrialization urbanization and consumerism; and the history and politics of environmental protection among other topics.