Taught by

The relationship between the maritime cultures of northwest Washington and the marine environment evolves continuously. Through arts and literature as well as nonfiction narratives, we will study the histories, identities, economies, and challenges of lives defined and dependent upon our regional inland waters, the Salish Sea. We will visit several indigenous and nonindigenous maritime communities, people at the forefront of both the exploitation and the defense of the waters, and those who are often the first to feel the effects of the destruction of the marine habitat and resources. We will participate in a weeklong field trip in the San Juan Islands area, voyaging by canoe and traditional sailing ship. In each visit and in our readings and writing we will explore how regional maritime communities understand their relationship and responsibility to the Salish Sea. Our personal and collective connections to the Salish Sea and marine environments will be explored through an environment-centered art project, the study of native art and its environmental symbolism, and the analysis of literary works.

Quarters

Spring Open

Location and Schedule

Campus Location

Olympia

Off-Campus Location

During one week (TBA) of the quarter we will be traveling in NW Washington

Time Offered

Day