Course Info: CS-0261
| Course | CS-0261 Oceans of Change |
| Long Title | Ocean Issues and Promoting Pro-Environmental Behavior |
| Term | 2018F |
| Note(s) |
Textbook information |
| Meeting Info | Franklin Patterson Hall 101 on M,W from 9:00-10:20 |
| Faculty | Timothy Zimmerman |
| Capacity | 25 |
| Available | 8 |
| Waitlist | 0 |
| Distribution(s) | |
| Cumulative Skill(s) | Writing and Research Independent Work |
| Additional Info | In this course, students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. This time includes reading, writing, research. There is a field trip fee for this course: $15 or less per student |
| Description | How do we help people learn about, understand, and enact pro-environmental behavior (e.g., drive less, participate in political action, improve consumer choice)? We explored this question through the example of the ocean. Marine ecosystems are under immense human pressures. Ninety percent of fish stocks are overfished, coral reefs are dying, dead zones are growing, ocean acidity is increasing. These changes all have human consequences, often disproportionately impacting marginalized people (poor, indigenous, minorities). Against this backdrop, we explored how to move forward through theories from cognitive science (Why can't people "understand" climate issues?), ecopsychology (Why don't people use less energy?), learning sciences (How do we design climate change curriculum), psychology (Don't people care?), and cultural studies (Indigenous peoples know how to live sustainably, right?). Through class discussion, whole-class and individual project-based work, and short class papers, students developed broad-based knowledge about both marine science and perspectives for promoting a better human-nature future. |