The National Park

Catalog description

Three hours lecture per week Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of Golden Four GE Areas (1A, 1B, 1C, 2) This interdisciplinary course explores the history, purpose, and operation of the National Park Service through multiple lenses, including environmental science, policy, history, and cultural studies. Students analyze the complexities of managing national parks as public resources, balancing conservation, recreation, education, and economic interests. Emphasis is placed on how scientific data, governance structures, and community partnerships inform park decision-making. Case studies, field-based observation, and applied projects are used to evaluate current challenges in equity, conservation, and sustainability.