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GEOG 336
HUMAN ECOLOGY
- Catalog Entry
GEOG 336. Human Ecology (PS)
Three hours lecture (3) Prerequisite: BIOL 105 or 121, or GEOG 335, or permission of instructor. Investigation of ways in which humans interact with Earth's other species. Focus is on the modification of natural ecosystems and organisms from prehistory to the twenty first century, including the domestication of plants and animals, dispersal of wild and domestic species, and the development of human-dominated agricultural and urban ecosystems. Some field work is expected.
- Detailed Description of Content of Course
This course examines, from ecological and biogeographic perspectives, how people have influenced the diversity, relative abundance, and distribution of other living organisms from prehistoric times to the twenty first century. Topics covered include natural selection, fundamental ecological concepts, the ecological and evolutionary impacts of preagricultural peoples, the origins of agriculture, the impacts of preindustrial agricultural systems, and the demands and consequences of industrialized agriculture and urban lifestyles on the character and distribution patterns of species in human-dominated ecosystems. Field work on urban ecology in the Radford area will be conducted.
- Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This is a lecture course supplemented with self-directed field investigations and archival research. Student presentation of research results, in both oral and written formats, is an integral part of the course.
- Goals and Objectives of the Course
Students will increase their understanding of the role of humans in changing the face of the earth. They should be able to project patterns from the past into predictions of future impacts. Students should come away from the course with a basic knowledge and understanding of the role of humans as agents of evolution, dispersal, and habitat modification or creation.
- Assessment Measures
Student achievement will be assessed through two or more essay examinations, several research exercises, oral presentations, and a term project.
- Other Course Information
NONE.
- APPROVAL AND SUBSEQUENT REVIEWS
DATE ACTION APPROVAL BY
September 2005 Reviewed and Updated Bernd H. Kuennecke |