Main Navigation
Bridging Culture and Nature: An Introduction to Conservation Science
| Semester and Year | SP 2013 |
| Course Number | IDSEM-UG1740 |
| Section | 001 |
| Instructor | Jim Tolisano |
| Days | Mon |
| Time | 6:20 PM - 9:00 PM |
| Units | 4.0 |
| Level | U |
| Foundation Requirement | SCI |
Description
This course brings together leading thinking from literature, anthropology, archeology, social psychology, economics, and biology to explore the art and science of applied conservation biology. The goal of conservation biology is to conserve the incredible diversity of life found on our planet, and, in the process, protect our rich cultural diversity, and ourselves. We discover how business entrepreneurs, social scientists, wildlife biologists, and artists all play an integral role in achieving practical conservation solutions. We begin with an exploration of our own relationship to the natural world. We examine what biological diversity is, the principal threats to biological systems, and specific actions that are being taken to reverse these threats and protect life on earth. We also explore the premise that managing the biological wealth of the planet really requires us to manage ourselves and the human cultures we have created. The fieldwork of the physical and biological sciences provide the foundation from which our work as conservation biologists proceeds. However, the applied work of the social sciences, education, business, humanities and arts then serve as the tools we need to manage ourselves and create a relationship with nature that is mutually supportive. Readings include reserved selections from textbooks, including Richard Primack’s Primer of Conservation Biology and Sarah Pilgrim’s Nature and Culture , along with others from popular non-fiction authors including Bill McKibben, Gary Snyder, Terry Tempest Williams and others. At the course conclusion students from all disciplines should see a role for themselves in the conservation work that is an essential part of our next century.
Syllabus
Course Type
Interdisciplinary Seminars (IDSEM-UG)
