Taught by

How do different patterns of urban development affect biodiversity, ecosystem function, human health, and social well-being? Can we accommodate urban growth in the face of environmental changes, while maintaining and restoring urban green spaces and habitats? Why do some species adapt to urban environments while others do not? These are examples of the “big questions” that urban ecologists ask. Answering them requires collaboration across diverse disciplines.

In this course we will examine urban areas as socio-ecological systems, in which humans and their actions are a component of ecological systems. Students will learn relevant principles, methods and approaches from ecology, geography, economics, history, urban studies and public policy development, and use them to assess case studies of environmental problems and solutions in urban areas. Students will also read and discuss contemporary scientific articles and books, visit local restoration and green infrastructure projects, and address a critical urban ecological issue of their choice through a final project.

Faculty Biography (forthcoming)

Quarters

Winter Open

Location and Schedule

Campus Location

Olympia

Time Offered

Evening

Advertised Schedule