INDS 6550 - Interdisciplinary Public Land Studies: Practices, Policies and Issues

3 Credit(s)

Parks and public lands are interdisciplinary by nature. As a nation, we have large tracts of land set aside for the common good and are reliant on these lands for their natural resources ensuring the people in our society have access to air, water, shelter, energy, and quality of life. National Parks, monuments, wildlife refuges, forests, reserves, waterways, seashores, and other public domain lands are managed for multiple use with the understanding that they will provide benefits to society: timber, water, grazing, minerals, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. This course will look at the interdisciplinary approach to managing public lands for the public’s good. Beginning with a review of agency missions, mandates and guiding policies we will investigate how public land agencies operate and maneuver through a complex set of demands and values. We will consider the natural history of places, our collective and individual land ethics and how mangers, visitors, and our society are addressing current challenges and issues. (Fall [As Needed]) [Graded (Standard Letter)]

Repeatable for Add’l Credit? Yes - Total Credits: 6

Registration Restriction(s): Graduate standing required or acceptance into the Bridge program