SDG Detail

F&ES 760 Conservation in Practice: An International Perspective

Postgraduate course

Project description

This seminar focuses on the practice of wildlife and wildlands conservation, examining key topics from the dual perspectives of academic literature and actual field experiences; bringing together interdisciplinary thinking; and drawing on examples from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the United States. The thematic outline of the seminar is organized around three fundamental questions in nature conservation: What are we trying to save�and why? How is this being done�and how has it changed over time? What lessons are we learning�and what overarching issues remain problematic? Specific topics include how different players define and value wildness; selection and prioritization of conservation targets; comparisons of various species and landscape conservation approaches; and governance and decision-making in conservation, including ties between conservation and development and community-based conservation. During the course of the term, six to eight guest conservation practitioners join the seminar, bringing tangible examples of current practice into the classroom via presentations and discussions. Student participation and leadership are key, as the seminar is discussion-based, centers on the sharing of ideas and experiences, demands challenging thinking, and is frequently led by students. Limited enrollment. Evaluation is based on participation, comments on assigned readings, and a final paper.