Natural Science 0229 - Amazonia: Ecology and Society

Amazonia: a vast, complex, and conflicted region of South America. What roles do the Amazon forests and rivers play in local, regional and global ecology? Who governs this vast region that touches nine nations? What is at stake in its destruction? Who lives there, and why do they stay? We will explore the region from multiple perspectives, looking at science, policy, culture and conservation. Developing an understanding of tropical rainforest ecology, basin hydrology, and forest function (and multiple ways of understanding these) will be coupled with considerations of the role of culture, policy and conservation in shaping this region today. Our inquiry will be largely based in readings, film and discussion. Considerable writing, both analytical and reflective, will be expected.

Independent Work Multiple Cultural Perspectives In this course students are generally expected to spend at least 6 to 8 hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.