Time Schedule:
Patrick John Christie
SIS 103
Seattle Campus
Explores the social and policy dimensions of the ocean environment and ocean management policy. Attention to how human values, institutions, culture, and history shape environmental issues and policy responses. Examines case studies and influential frameworks, such as the ocean as "tragedy of the commons". Offered: jointly with SMA 103
Class description
The oceans were once considered an inexhaustible source of protein and mineral wealth capable of sustaining humankind into the distant future. Today the oceans have become the ultimate proving ground of whether humans are capable of achieving a sustainable relationship with a planet showing increasing signs of stress. Human populations are burgeoning in coastal areas worldwide, with increasing affluence and increasing impoverishment each in its own way contributing to coastal resource degradation. The course consists of four units: 1) an introduction to how human values and interests shape our interactions, through time, with the marine environment; 2) an examination of "tragedy of the commons" concept; 3) a review of Puget Sound and Southeast Asia coral reef marine environmental issues and current policy responses; 4) an overview of marine policy at various scales.
Two very distinct cases-Puget Sound salmon and Southeast Asia coral reefs- will be examined to emphasize the importance of context-specific policy formulation. Social and ecological evaluation criteria will be applied to develop skills in analytic and holistic policy development.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Lectures and dicussion.
Recommended preparation
None.
Class assignments and grading
Short essays. Quizzes. Mid-term and final exam.
Quality of analysis as demonstrated in essays. Grades on exams.
