Provides the conceptual foundations for integrative research
and problem solving in conservation. Addresses the challenges
of interdisciplinary research and collaboration between
academics and practitioners while also addressing principles to
improve collaboration and discussing tools for integrating
research and practice across disciplines and the
academic/practitioner divide.
Athena Title
Integrative Conservation I
Prerequisite
Permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
After completing this course, students will be aware of the valuable conservation insights that emerge not only from conservation biology or other natural sciences, but also from the social sciences and humanities.
After completing this course, students will have an appreciation of the theoretical and practical obstacles to collaboration across disciplines and fields of practice and will be equipped with perspectives and tools to help them bridge those divides.
Topical Outline
Unit 1: Foundations
Introduction to Integrative Conservation and ICON 8001
Interdisciplinarity, Epistemologies, and Pluralism
Defining Conservation I: Humans Separate from “Nature”
Defining Conservation II: Humans as Part of “Nature”
Conservation Research: Coloniality and Alternatives
Integrative Research, Transdisciplinarity, Co-Construction, and Communication
