The first course in our core sequence examines Pacific Northwest ecology, history, and economics through a systems lens. We explore key methodologies and theories of environmental disciplines as a foundation for collaborative work within interdisciplinary teams. In addition, we study indigenous ecological knowledge and natural resource management of Pacific Northwest tribes. Native American tribes have crafted this region’s landscape and seascape for millennia, initiated major environmental reforms during the past century, and continue to provide environmental leadership across the region. Finally, we examine the policy process, with particular attention to the way national and state environmental policies play out at local and regional levels.
Students will draw upon this material to assess the value of particular disciplines and ways of knowing for framing and solving environmental problems. Students will focus on a few major environmental challenges through readings, lectures, workshops, seminar discussions, and writing assignments. A central part of this quarter's work is an interdisciplinary group project, which assumes that many critical environmental issues cannot be solved by individuals working alone or even by teams from a single discipline. This project provides an opportunity for students to develop their research, writing, presentation, and collaborative problem-solving skills.
Please note that there will be a mandatory field trip to the Olympic Peninsula from October 5, 8 am to October 7, 6 pm. We will provide more details in a summer letter to students and orientation.
HYBRID CLASS PRESENTATION: This class will be offered in a "hybrid" approach. Class meetings will be offered, with both in-person attendance on campus CAL and fully-online (Zoom) options for student participation. Each class session will be broadcasted over Zoom to any students who elect to attend from home or other off-campus location.