People and Oceans: How we Inhabit and Inhibit our Blue Planet

Catalog description

What comes to mind when you think of the ocean? Oceans might conjure images of contemplative beach walks, fascinating animals like whales and giant squid, or big splotches of blue on a globe. Often, however, we imagine them devoid of people. In this course, we will dive into the depths of oceans as peopled spaces, lively with cultural connections, technological innovation, power struggles, and more. Topics will include fishing, deep sea mining, marine conservation, seafaring, maritime dumping, high seas governance and more. The course will include lectures coupled with opportunities for discussion, and students will have the opportunity to follow their aquatic curiosities, conducting research on a topic of their choice. By the end of course, students will gain a more holistic understanding of how oceans are peopled and our role as inhabitants of our Blue Planet.