Applied Ethnoecology

3 Credits

Introduces theory and methodology for applied ethnoecology, the study of human relationships with and knowledge about the environment. Students will examine human relationships with both biotic (e.g. plants and animals) and abiotic (e.g. glaciers, weather) elements of ecological systems to better understand how knowledge frameworks and cultural practices shape human experiences of the natural world. The history of ethnoecology as a discipline will be covered, before moving to applied case studies where different ecological knowledge systems intersect as a result of conservation projects, bioprospecting, and other contemporary environmental issues. This course involves both discussion and project-based learning including StoryMaps, cultural domain analysis and text analysis.