3.00 Credits
Science is crucial to addressing challenges facing society, including conservation and sustainability. Yet, it is practiced, applied, and understood differently in different cultures, societies, and times. This course explores the relationship between science, conservation, and sustainability. Students think critically about how science is conducted, the processes of verification, and how advancements in science helped societies conserve and sustain their natural resources and culture. Depending on the country(ies) studied, the course explores how history, religion, politics, culture, and other factors have influenced the development of scientific understanding and its effect on sustainability. Each version of this course focuses on a particular country/region and includes a study abroad excursion.