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Master Course Outline
NR 120
Society and Natural Resources
Course Description: This course will provide students with a broad overview of the role of social
sciences (e.g., sociology, political science and economics) and critical decision making related to the
allocation of limited natural resources. Lectures will cover the basis of natural resource issues, role of
social science in natural resources management and how sustainability factors into this role. The
curriculum will focus on case studies that highlight specific resource management issues with an
emphasis on issues in the Pacific Northwest. Lectures will be supplemented with guest presentations
from individuals that represent a variety of natural resource stakeholders (tribal, state, federal and
private) in Western Washington. Labs will allow students to investigate contemporary resource issues
and prepare a report on a specific environmental topic. Four lecture hours. Vocational program course.
May be used as an elective in the AA degree.
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: ENGL 095 or placement in ENGL&101; or instructor permission
Recommended Preparation: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
Describe and evaluate the how management and utilization of natural resources impacts
society.
Identify the challenges associated with the multiple uses of natural resources.
Explain the interrelationship between values, identity, policy, economics and natural resources.
Demonstrate an understanding of basic terminology associated with social sciences and natural
resources.
Employ communication skills in seminar and presentation formats.
Utilize a variety of media sources (i.e. books, periodicals, newspapers and internet) to obtain
relevant information on the management and utilization of natural resources.
Exhibit an ability to synthesize and analyze quantitative data.
Formulate questions to assess the societal values and sustainable use of natural resources.
Compare how protection or utilization of one resource can have direct and indirect impacts on
society and other resources.
Explain how impacts to the environment can have implications on a global society.
Recognize how personal choices in economic status contribute to cumulative impacts on society.
Develop interpersonal and leadership skills through class participation and interaction.
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Utilize information resources presented in class through lecture, guest presentations, media
sources and library resources to complete assignments and tests.
Demonstrate competency in audio and/or visual aids when presenting the final project.
Evaluate the role of information resources in making sound decisions.
Course Resources/Textbooks/Website:
Natural Resource Conservation: Management for a Sustainable Future (9th Edition)- Daniel Chiras and
John Reganold, Pearson/Prentice Hall Publishers (2005)
Academic Integrity: All forms of cheating, falsification, and plagiarism are against the rules of this course
and of Grays Harbor College. Students who are unsure what constitutes academic dishonesty are
responsible for asking the instructor for clarification. Instances of intentional academic dishonesty will
be dealt with severely.
Disabilities: Students who have documented disabilities that require accommodations in compliance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the Disability Support Services coordinator as
well as the instructor of the course in order to ensure that together we create an optimal environment
for educational achievement.
W Day, the final day to officially withdraw from a course, is the Thursday of the seventh week (Thursday
of the fourth week for summer quarter). Students who do not withdraw by that date will receive the
grades they have earned, regardless of whether they are attending the course or completing the work.
Students who are considering withdrawal are strongly advised to consult with the instructor, advisor and
financial aid prior to withdrawing. The only withdrawals allowed after W Day are complete withdrawals
from all courses.
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