ASB Mission:Wolf Wolf Conservation and Sustainability

Transcription

1 ASB Mission:Wolf Wolf Conservation and Sustainability Facilitators: Laura Beshilas Billy Morrison Faculty Advisor: Keith Mako Woodhouse Environmental Policy and Culture, History Class Time and Place: Class meets every Monday from 6-9 P.M. Classroom is to be determined. Goal & Objectives: This course is roughly divided into three sections: Predator Control in the United States, Conservation and Sustainability, and Human Society and Wolves. Through these sections, participants will gain a greater understanding of the history of predators and predator control in the United States, of conservation, ecology, and sustainability, and the role of wolves in the environment. The course will also explore the concepts of environmental policy, wolf behavior and social structure, and the relationship between humans and wolves. The course aims to prepare students for a one week trip to Mission:Wolf in Colorado, in order to make the experience more meaningful. By the end of the course, participants should be able to: Explain a brief history of wolves in the US, including their near-extinction and more recent debates. Define keystone species, and relate the concept to wolves and their ecosystems. Identify the inaccuracies in the portrayals of wolves in popular fiction and in the media. Discuss the pros and cons of certain sustainability initiatives, including solar power and the recycling movement. Relatedly, gain an introduction to Mission Wolf s use of sustainable technologies Understand Mission Wolf s objectives, and the problems that arise when attempting to domesticate a wolf-dog hybrid. Course Outline:

2 Part One: Predator Control in the United States This section of the course will look at the political and societal aspects behind predator extermination in the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries. Part Two: Conservation and Sustainability Students will learn about climate change and the role that humans play in the changing ecosystems. This section will focus on sustainability and conservation, and how these practices relate to the well-being of wolves and the overall world ecology. Part Three: Human Society and Wolves In this part of the course, students will explore how the view of wolves has evolved throughout the history of human society, and question how the media shapes opinions on wolves in the general public. Expectations: Class participants are expected to attend the ASB trip to Mission:Wolf and to complete all requisite readings and assignments for each class meeting. Attendance at each class in mandatory and active participation is expected of everyone. Failure to uphold these requirements and to demonstrate commitment to the trip and its mission may result in dismissal from the class. If any concerns should arise, please the student facilitators. Grades will be determined based on participation (40%), weekly assignments (20%), a group presentation (20%), and a final presentation (20%). You will receive one credit through SESP, and this class must be taken pass/fail. All written assignments are to be ed to each of the facilitators before the beginning of class. Assignments should be double-spaced with one-inch margins. Participation The participation grade will be based on attendance, attentiveness, preparation, and meaningful contribution to discussion. Presentations Each week, a pair of students will present a topic relating to the course material for about 15 minutes. Required components: A biography slide from each presenter to introduce themselves General background information on the topic Images throughout the presentation Video relating to the topic if relevant Three discussion questions (that should prompt at least another ten minutes of discussion)

3 Topics: Research a species that has also faced extinction Discuss the importance of keystone species, using a specific species as an example Present a current biodiversity issue that we face Present another species that has been reintroduced in the United States Research a sustainable practice used by Mission:Wolf The history of wolves and werewolves in the media- how does this influence the public perception of wolves? The Pros and Cons of Zoos Schedule: Class One: Week of January 5- Mission:Wolf Introduction Site leader and course introduction Icebreaker Lesson: Introduction to Mission:Wolf Determine presentation groups- sign up for topics Read through the Mission:Wolf website Why do Wolves Howl? Love, Scientists Say. ABC News. Wolf Pack Mentality. Animal Planet. Class Two: Week of January 12- Wolf Basics Ice breaker Is everyone registered on Caesar? Lesson: Wolf Basics "The Killing Agency: Wildlife Services' brutal methods leave a trail of animal death" by Tom Knudson History of Wolves: Class Three: Week of January 19- Predator Extermination, 19th-20th century Lesson: Tracing predator extermination through the 19th and 20th centuries Student discussion: based on readings and lesson Student Presentation: Research a species that has also faced extermination

4 Write a paper about your understanding of wilderness Class Four: Week of January 26- The American Wilderness Lesson: Guest lecturer Professor Keith Woodhouse about the ideas of the American wilderness Student Discussion: based on the guest lecture Sign up to get drivers certified and Laura and Billy your appointment date Biodiversity from World Changing: A User s Guide for the 21st Century Class Five: Week of February 2- Biodiversity Lesson: Valuing biodiversity, and threats to biodiversity Student Presentation: Discuss the importance of keystone species, using a specific species as an example Student Presentation: Present a current biodiversity issue that we face The Wolf that Changed America, PBS video on wolf reintroduction in Yellowstone Introduction to Tropic Cascades: Another view on Trophic Cascades: %3A11%22%7D Watch this video on Trophic Cascades in Yellowstone Class Six: Week of February 9- Wolf Reintroduction Student discussion: Relating wolf introduction to biodiversity based on the readings due this week and information from last week Lesson: Wolf Reintroduction, and the delisting debate Student presentation: Present another species that has been reintroduced in the United States Assignments:

5 Climate Change (the EPA s official stance) (the page and the 5 hyperlinks in the article) Overview of Solar Power: -sustainable-green-energy-to-protect-our-economy-and-environment/ Write a paper that discusses your opinion: how important is sustainability on a small, more local level? Class Seven: Week of February 16- Sustainability Ice breaker Lesson: Sustainability and climate change Student presentation: Research a sustainable practice used by Mission: Wolf Assignment Write a short paper about how you viewed wolves before taking this class and what may have influenced these opinions Watch this video for a common portrayal of wolves in media: Class Eight: Week of February 23- Wolves in Culture Ice breaker Lesson: Wolves in culture, including Native American folklore, children's tales, and film portrayals (e.g. Never Cry Wolf) Student presentation: The history of wolves and werewolves in the media- how does this influence the public perception of wolves? Explore this website that goes over the differences between wolves and dogs: Class Nine: Week of March 2- Wolves as Pets and Educating the Public Icebreaker Discussion: Wolf domestication- how the wolf became the dog, the differences and similarities between wolves and dogs, wolf-dogs, and wolves as pets Student Presentation: Pros and Cons of Zoos Media Portion: Wolf-Dogs - Out of the Wild, Cesar Milan - Dog Whisperer

6 Send questions about the trip to Laura and Billy Final assignment: create a brief informational powerpoint that argues any point you feel passionate about in regards to wolves Be sure that the topic you choose isn't one that we covered in class in detail, but feel free to choose a topic that we covered but you feel could be elaborated You may work with a partner Please have the presentation be less than 15 minutes long, including in that time restraint some time for discussion Reading Week Class: Week of March 9- Mission:Wolf Conclusions In class Ice breakers Lesson: student presentations and discussions Talk about the trip All forms in to Billy and Laura Drivers' certification finalized Finals Week: Week of March 16 No Class Spring Break Mission:Wolf Trip: Week of March 23