CRS 435/535 RESOLVING ENVIRONMENTAL CONFLICTS
Spring 2010
Dr. Emmett P. Fiske
fiske@wsu.edu
Lecture: TuTh 10:35–11:50 am
Lab: Tu 4:15–7:15 pm
Room: CUE TBD for both lecture and lab
Cross-Listed with ES/RP 435/535
Many communities throughout the western United States are currently engaged in local conflicts over the continued use of natural resources. Such issues as timber harvest, application of agricultural pesticides, reintroduction of wolves, removal of dams, cattle grazing, endangered species designation, field burning and watershed planning quickly stir the emotions—turning normal conversation into shouting matches where everyone is yelling and nobody is listening…
This course is an introduction to environmental conflict resolution. Students will gain an appreciation for this recent field of inquiry through readings, journal entries, discussions, and term papers. Students will also receive practical experience via application of selected concepts to actual conflict situations through simulation role plays held during Lab hours.
This course is designed for juniors, seniors and graduate students interested in pursuing careers in either the public or private sectors. The course is especially suitable for students planning to work at the local level (for example, within non-governmental organizations, local government, community colleges or school systems); at the state level (for example, as employees of state colleges, universities or agencies dealing with environmental, natural resource, or planning/growth management issues); or within private sector companies involved with natural resource issues (such as agriculture, engineering, fisheries, forestry, mining, utilities, recreation and tourism).
Upon completion of this course, students will understand the conflict resolution process (concepts, approaches, techniques) as well as having received practical experience in applying selected concepts to actual conflict situations.