Time Schedule:
Patrick John Christie
SMA 550
Seattle Campus
Examination of various aspects of marine studies. Content varies, depending upon the interests of the faculty and students. Intended for the joint participation by the faculty and advanced students in the investigation of selected topics. One or more groups are organized each quarter.
Class description
This course sequence consists of two linked courses to be offered by the NWIC and the University of Washington in Winter and Spring 2009. Ideally students will be enrolled in both quarters. The course is co-taught by a NWIC faculty member (TBD) and Patrick Christie with assistance by NWIC and UW student assists. UW students will travel to NWIC every other week during the quarters for an extended course period. The courses will focus on ocean and coastal policy and the role of the treaty tribes in marine resource management. The first course in the sequence will focus on the natural history of Puget Sound, the historical tribal relationship to the marine environment and resources, information on the Boldt decision and tribal fishing rights, current issues affecting the tribes, and the basics of how to conduct policy analysis and social research. This course will be taught primarily through readings, lectures, and guest speakers. Guest speakers will include tribal members, professors from UW or Western Washington University, employees of state agencies (such as WADNR), representatives from the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, NGOs, and members of the Puget Sound Partnership. By the end of the first quarter, students will be trained in basic interviewing and observational techniques and create small research groups consisting of UW and NWIC students. The students will submit a research plan regarding tribal perspectives on Puget Sound’s condition and management. The second course will primarily be an opportunity for students to pursue these research projects and conduct a policy analysis of current marine-related issues in Puget Sound. Students will work in small groups and select a research topic of interest to them that has a policy aspect to it. Students will produce a team report or presentation on their chosen topic. These policy reports will be presented to Lummi tribal leadership, the Northwest Indians Fisheries Commission, the Puget Sound Partnership leadership and other appropriate agencies. The course will meet 4 hours ever other Friday in late morning and early afternoon on the NWIC campus. During the first quarter, SMA students and Professor Christie will meet on the UW campus on alternate weeks to ensure that they are knowledgeable of basic ecological and treaty rights that NWIC students may already know from previous coursework.
Student learning goals
Students will learn how to critically and consistently analyze policy articles and reports.
Students will learn the human ecology and natural history of Puget Sound from a tribal perspective
Students will learn how to engage in cross cultural communication and research.
General method of instruction
Readings, discussions and guest lectures are the key methods of instruction. Class guests will be asked to give brief presentations based on a series of questions prepared by faculty and students in advance. Most of the class time will be dedicated to discussion of readings and guest speaker reactions to questions.
Recommended preparation
None.
Class assignments and grading
Class discussions and participation: 25% (partially based on self evaluation) Two short analytic briefs on readings: 45% Research plan: 20% Group presentations: 10%
Students will receive a participation grade for each class meeting based on their demonstrated mastery of readings and constructive contribution to discussion. No mid-term or final exam will be given. A literature review term paper (15-20 pages, single spaced) will be prepared on a topic related to ecosystem-based approaches to ocean management. Upper level undergraduate and graduate students will be enrolled in this course and their term paper assignment will be tailored to each group’s status, with graduate students expected to include more references and write a slightly longer paper.
Quality of analysis and meaningful participation in class.
