Forest Forestry and Poverty
Deforestation is considered one of the main global environmental challenges of our times, because of its significant impact on biodiversity, on the livelihoods of millions of people and its important contribution to Climate Change. This course analyzes the way deforestation and forest degradation have been and are being explained by both mainstream and alternative narratives. It critically engages with the way deforestation is defined and measured and discusses the various attempts to stop or reduce it. Additionally, this course looks at the links between poverty and forest cover dynamics, some of the possible strategies to reduce poverty through forest-based activities and analyzes and discusses the importance of forests for humans and the challenges faced by those who try to manage them sustainably.
Prerequisites & course information
Weekly hours: 15 Seminar/Discussion hours Prerequisite(s): 9 credit units of GEOG courses including at least 3 credit units at the 200-level or higher; permission of the instructor; minimum of 60 credit units of university coursework; and 70% average in the major before departure. Restricted to students majoring in Anthropology, Biology, Environment and Society, Environmental Biology, Environmental Geoscience, Health Studies, History, Hydrology, Indigenous Studies, Political Studies, or Sociology, or who are pursuing a certificate in Geomatics or Global Studies. Note: This course is held in Costa Rica as part of a study term abroad and is part of the international experiential learning opportunities offered in the College of Arts and Science.
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027