SYLLABUS
Human Dimensions of Natural Resources
FOR 542 Stephen F. Austin State University
Fall 2010
Course Virtual Class Hours: Tuesday 3:00 p.m. or Thursday 11:00 a.m. CST
Pat Stephens Williams, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Human Dimensions and Forest Recreation –
Education, Interpretation, Communications, Recreation
Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture
Box 6109, SFA Station
Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, TX 75962-6109
Phone: 936-468-2196
Fax: 936-468-2489
Email: stephensp@sfasu.edu
Office Hours:
Tuesday 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Thursday 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.– 5:00 p.m.
Phone calls and/or virtual office visits by appointment or
as available.
Meetings are sometimes scheduled across these hours
beyond my control, particularly on Thursdays. If so, I
will return your call at the earliest available time. I am
also available at other times during the week.
Public sentiment is everything,
With public sentiment, nothing can fail,
Without it, nothing can succeed.
- Abraham Lincoln
Catalog and Course Description:
This course examines the role of resource managers in making wise decisions
concerning natural resources, incorporating not only biological sciences but sound
information concerning human thought and action regarding natural systems. This
course provides the opportunity to explore and build foundations of understanding
current human-natural resource relationships and the development of theoretical
understanding of the importance of viewing humans as part of the natural resource
decision-making process.
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SYLLABUS
Introduction to the Course
This course addresses the considerations and implications associated with the
“people side” of natural resource management. The purpose of this course is to
explore the complex interactions of social, political, institutional, economic, and
ecological processes that constitute natural resource use and management.
Emphasis will be on domestic issues and will include social and environmental
dynamics stemming from extractive industries, tourism, wildlife management,
forestry, and land ownership throughout the semester.
The course is divided into three sections. Material explored in the first section lays
the foundation of human dimensions by reviewing social sciences that are applied
in natural resource management. You will be introduced to paradigms and
theoretical approaches of human-environment interaction. The intent of this
section is to expose students to perspectives and assumptions influencing
decisions about natural resource use and management.
The second section focuses on the theory and practice of working with and serving
the public in natural resource management. The theory and practice involved in
managing social issues will be discussed, including identifying and involving
stakeholders dependent upon or concerned with the management of natural and
cultural resources. Methods of defining environmental problems, public
involvement and conflict resolution will be investigated and examples of studies
explored.
The final section covers numerous human dimensions topics and issues in natural
resource management. Information about people’s values, beliefs, and behaviors
can be incorporated into resource management decision-making. The impact of
cultural and demographic based values and attitudes will be reviewed. Specific
natural resource management alternatives and sustainable development
approaches will be considered.
Throughout the semester the topic of the role of professionals in the formulation
and selection of public policy alternatives will also be addressed. The question,
“Whom do we serve as resource professionals?” will be scrutinized.
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Course Objectives:
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To develop a working knowledge of the basic components of the Human
Dimensions field as it pertains to natural resources, particularly forestry and
wildlife;
To develop a working knowledge of the basic components of research
methodology in the Human Dimensions of natural resources field;
To gain experience in Human Dimensions research;
To understand the complexities of multiple use, multiple constituency input,
and multiple sociological/anthropological bases;
To understand and develop skills a natural resource manager uses to
manage human, wildlife, and physical aspects of resource management
issues.
Student Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course you will be able to:
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Define Human Dimensions in as much as it can be defined at this point in
time;
Discuss why the Human Dimensions aspect is important;
Describe the goals and aims of Human Dimensions in the management
component;
List and discuss the primary factors or forces that affect the decision space
a manager has;
Apply problem analysis process, learned during the semester, to analyze
and solve various management problems;
Describe the management actions available to managers to solve specific
management problems and evaluate the pros and cons of different actions;
Understand the “current issues and trends” in Human Dimensions and
describe ways in which these will affect you as a resource manager in the
future.
Course Texts:
Decker, Daniel and T. Brown and W. Siemer. (2001). Human Dimensions of
Wildlife Management in North America. Bethesda, Maryland: The Wildlife Society.
This text is no longer available except as a used text. If you can get a copy it
would be to your advantage. However, we have uploaded the necessary
chapters within Blackboard.
All other readings available through Blackboard.
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SYLLABUS
Course Technology:
Visit the following website for everything you need to get started and
learn how to navigate your online experience!
http://sfaonline.sfasu.edu/gettingstarted.html#prep
Words of Wisdom:
 Disable your pop-up blocker while working in Blackboard.
 Call OIT whenever you need to for technical support – they are there for
you!
www.oit.sfasu.edu or (936) 468-1010
 If you are on dial-up, go to a friend’s, a cyber café, anyplace where you can
access a high-speed connection, to download supplementary readings,
video clips, or audio files – trying to get these files on dial-up will cause
extreme frustration!
Course Requirements:
Class Participation:
Discussion Blog – THIS IS MANDATORY – Because it is important for us
to have the opportunity for discussion BEYOND the one hour per week
Chat, we will keep a Blog that you should access and post AT LEAST
once per week. This gives you the chance to talk about the topics you are
reading about in class, seeing on the news, thinking about in general
relative to this class. Though I may not comment on everything written
(sometimes there is just way too much good discussion for that!), you
can bet that I am reading everything that is being written! You are going
to be experiencing some REAL thinking about core values in here so feel
free to explore those with your classmates on the Blog.
This is a graduate course. As such, it requires students to assume
responsibility for analyzing class readings and other course content, identifying
the implications for resource management, and applying those insights to class
discussions and assignments.
Because this is a graduate level course it differs from undergraduate course
format. As graduate students you will be expected to participate as
professionals in the field, meaning that your opinions will be expected and
valued. In addition, the class format is based on a workshop/seminar design.
Class participation includes, but is not limited to:
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Becoming familiar with and using Blackboard as the primary course delivery
mechanism.
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SYLLABUS
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Completing assigned readings.
Completing and participating in assigned writings.
Participating in online seminar discussions.
Working with peers (see your homepage, left-hand column, Roster, to find
your Working Group and members) to complete assignments as required.
Providing peer review comments for drafts of classmates’ projects.
Submitting assignments online.
Participating in instructor/student conferences, as needed.
Readings:
Course readings are taken from the assigned text and a variety of supplemental
readings. All supplemental readings are available in the Blackboard site. The
Course Schedule provides an outline of required course readings. Please feel
free to provide additional resources as the need and occasion arises.
Workshop/Seminar/Discussion:
Each week students participate in an online seminar. You are only required to
attend one session per week at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesdays or 11:00 a.m. CENTRAL on Thursdays. Keep track of the announcements and email for
any changes in the virtual schedule due to professional commitments.
Chat: On you’re Blackboard Human Dimensions page you will click on Chat,
then the Common Room. These virtual meetings focus on topics related to the
week’s readings, assignments, or guest topics for discussion. Transcripts of
the seminar discussion sessions are posted on the course discussion webpage.
Elluminate: From time to time we may use Elluminate. On the Blackboard
Human Dimensions page look for the Illuminate the Night icon. Click on the
icon. Click on the Human Dimensions class.
Once again, this is a graduate course so BE PREPARED to discuss topics that
include application of the current readings.
Project Assignments:
Submitting Assignments
Assignments will be submitted through Blackboard. The specific process for
submitting assignments is as follows:
 Prepare assignments and upload or paste through the Assignments portal.
 Assignments are due by the date and time indicated in the syllabus and on
the website.
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SYLLABUS
Project Assignment #1 – Interview a Natural Resource Manager
Due Wed., September 22nd
Many of you are already in the field of resource management at some level.
However, this assignment requires you to interview a professional in resource
management (preferably outside of your realm of expertise) to identify what
kinds of people issues are associated with their job. Also, find out how those
issues are addressed – is there a process, a protocol, etc.? Do they feel the
current people management is efficient and/or successful?
The interviews do not need to be long, but long enough to help you expand
your (and your classmates) knowledge of the depth and breadth of human
dimensions issues (for example – those issues generated by the wildland/urban
interface or urban sprawl).
The final product should be a one to two page post to your Assignment.
Remember to publish so others may see it. Be sure and read other students’
posts. The discussion during the due date week will depend upon this
assignment being completed on time. Your final paper may come from this
discussion.
Project Assignment #2 – Book Review
Due Wednesday, October 20th
This assignment provides you the opportunity to expand your knowledge in a
direction of human dimensions that interests or influences you or your
profession. A list of potential books for you to read and review is located on the
website homepage under Book Review. If you choose a book that is NOT on
the list, it must be okayed PRIOR to completing the assignment.
In order to complete this assignment you will need to:
 select and read a book from the list,
 locate a format model in a professional journal (Human Dimensions of
Wildlife, Society & Natural Resources, etc.),
 write a review,
 post your review to the Assignment portal, publish it, and
 be prepared to discuss your book in class.
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SYLLABUS
Project Assignment #3 – Research Paper and PowerPoint Presentation
Due Wednesday, December 1st
This assignment includes a research paper (10 – 12 pages) and PowerPoint
presentation on an approved topic of your choice related to human dimensions
of natural or cultural resource management. Students will submit a brief
proposal for their paper by Wednesday, October 13th, with a short, preliminary
list of references. The final paper should be submitted under the Research
Paper portal in Assignments. You do not need to publish the paper.
The presentation should be uploaded as early as possible under the
Assignment portal for PowerPoint Presentation. Remember to publish. You
will be responsible for the 10 minute presentation during the last week of class
or during exam week.
Project Assignment #4 – Reading/Research Journal/Bibliography
Due Friday, December 3rd – however, you should start this immediately
This is NOT like the responses you have been writing in your other courses.
This is a way for you to apply what you are reading in class, explore human
dimensions issues relative to your interests, and record sources for either
current or future use by you. You should add to this resource on a weekly
basis. The final product should either be copied and mailed or submitted
electronically through the Assignments under Reading/Research Journal. I
encourage you to submit this frequently so it will be of best use to you (instead
of trying to cram at the end of the semester). It will be harder NOT to do this
than to do it – keep a running list of your resources to be submitted for a grade.
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SYLLABUS
Grading:
Class Participation – Includes Discussion Blog
Assignment #1 - Interview
200 points
75
Assignment #2 – Book Review
200
Assignment #3 – Research Paper and
Proposal
PowerPoint and Presentation
Assignment #4 –
250
25
100
150
Reading/Research Journal/Bibliography
Total
1000 points
All assignments must be submitted in order to receive a passing grade in the
class!!!!
Grades will be assigned according to the following scale:
1000 - 930 points = A
929 - 860 points = B
859 -780 points = C
779 – 710 points = D
709 and under = F
Social Justice:
Stephen F. Austin State University and the Arthur Temple College of Forestry are
committed to social justice. Every effort will be made to assure a positive learning
environment based upon open communication, honest expression of ideas, and
mutual respect. Tolerance for divergent backgrounds and ideas will be strongly
encouraged, whether based on race, ethnic origin, gender, physical challenge,
age, or religion. Suggestions to help foster an environment of academic freedom
and social justice are welcome.
Professional Ethics Statement
Students in the graduate program are considered to be professionals, as well as
students, and we expect that you will reflect professionalism in your work. As
representatives of Stephen F. Austin and members of the graduate program of the
Arthur Temple College of Forestry, you are held to the responsibility to conduct
yourselves, your academic work, and your research in a professional and ethical
way. This means that you abide by the rules of conduct stated in the student
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SYLLABUS
handbook, agree to a no cheating and no plagiarism policy, and follow the
guidelines for ethical research set forth by the university.
Cheating and plagiarism are serious offenses and will be treated as such.
Cheating can be defined as unethical use of another’s information to complete an
assignment or test. Plagiarism can be defined as using someone else’s words or
ideas without giving proper credit for their use. Be sure to cite your sources if in
doubt. Behavior related to cheating or plagiarism may cause immediate failure of
the course, and/or, at the very most, cause academic expulsion from the program.
Per the Catalog:
Academic integrity is a responsibility of all university faculty and students. Faculty members promote
academic integrity in multiple ways including instruction on the components of academic honesty, as well as
abiding by university policy on penalties for cheating and plagiarism.
Definition of Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty includes both cheating and plagiarism. Cheating includes but is not limited to (1) using
or attempting to use unauthorized materials to aid in achieving a better grade on a component of a class; (2)
the falsification or invention of any information, including citations, on an assigned exercise; and/or (3)
helping or attempting to help another in an act of cheating or plagiarism. Plagiarism is presenting the words
or ideas of another person as if they were your own. Examples of plagiarism are (1) submitting an assignment
as if it were one's own work when, in fact, it is at least partly the work of another; (2) submitting a work that
has been purchased or otherwise obtained from an Internet source or another source; and (3) incorporating the
words or ideas of an author into one's paper without giving the author due credit.
Please read the complete policy at http://www.sfasu.edu/policies/academic_integrity.asp
Withheld Grades Semester Grades Policy (A-54)
Please copy and paste the following information regarding Withheld Grades into your syllabus. Add
additional information as needed to meet your departmental or course needs.
Ordinarily, at the discretion of the instructor of record and with the approval of the academic chair/director, a
grade of WH will be assigned only if the student cannot complete the course work because of unavoidable
circumstances. Students must complete the work within one calendar year from the end of the semester in
which they receive a WH, or the grade automatically becomes an F. If students register for the same course in
future terms the WH will automatically become an F and will be counted as a repeated course for the purpose
of computing the grade point average.
Students with Disabilities
Please copy and paste the following statement and place in your course syllabus.
To obtain disability related accommodations, alternate formats and/or auxiliary aids, students with disabilities
must contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS), Human Services Building, and Room 325, 468-3004 /
468-1004 (TDD) as early as possible in the semester. Once verified, ODS will notify the course instructor
and outline the accommodation and/or auxiliary aids to be provided. Failure to request services in a timely
manner may delay your accommodations. For additional information, go to
http://www.sfasu.edu/disabilityservices/.
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SYLLABUS
Course Schedule:
Topics may be adjusted at the discretion of the instructor according to the
needs of the class. Schedule may be adjusted as needed.
Week
1
Topics/Agenda
Aug. 30 – Sept. 3
Introductions, Course
Overview
Values Down the Line
2
3
Sep. 6 – 10
Sep. 13 - 17
Readings – To be completed by
class time the week they are listed
Syllabus
Download Values Down the Line
and complete as quickly as
possible – do not think to hard and
do not change your answers!!
How do we define
Human Dimensions?
Leopold The Conservation Ethic
Discussion
MacCleary Aldo Leopold’s Land
Ethic: Is it Only Half…
Cordell Chapter 1
Defining Continued…
Muir Hetch Hetchy Valley
Ethics
Peterson Four Corners of Ecology
Codes of Ethics
Pinchot Principles of Conservation
Locate at least 2 Codes of Ethics
associated with Natural
Resources (Prof. Affiliations)
4
Sep. 20 - 24
Paradigms and Theories
Discussion
Interviews due Wed., 22
Kahn The Human Relationship
with Nature
Kellert The Biological Basis for
Human…
Wilson Biophilia and the
Conservation Ethic
Schroeder Psyche, Nature, and
Mystery
5
Sep. 27 – Oct. 1
Paradigms and Theories
Continued…
Carson Silent Spring
Discussion
Orr Political Economy and the
Ecology of Childhood
Designated Discussion
Leaders –
Working Group #1
Kaplan With People in Mind
Wilson The Current State of
Biological Diversity
NAAEE Conference
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SYLLABUS
6
Oct. 4 - 8
A Sense of Place
Discussion
Students will research the term
place-based and bring samples
to class for discussion.
Kahn Children’s Affiliation with
Nature
Clayton & Myers Environment and
Identity
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Oct. 11 - 15
A Sense of Place
Continued…
Cheng Place as an Integrating
Concept…
Discussion
Antioch/Clark/Sobel packet
Designated Discussion
Leaders –
Louv Last Child in the Woods, Ch
1, 2, 3
Working Group #2
Research Proposal due
Wed., 13
8
Oct. 18 - 22
Book Reviews
Discussion
Understanding the
Connections
Book Review Due
Wed., 20
Book reports due
Clayton & Myers Attitudes, Values
and Perceptions
Psychology of Hope
Wild Nature Encounters with
Wilderness
Bruns Sustaining Opportunities to
Experience Early American
Landscapes
9
Oct. 25 - 29
Human Dimensions of
Wildlife
Yellowstone Readings – need to
read AT LEAST six!
Discussion
SAF Conference
10
11
Nov. 1 - 5
Nov. 8 - 12
Human Dimensions of
Wildlife Continued…
Manfredo Human Dimensions of
Wildlife Management
Discussion
Gray Attitudes and Preferences for
Wildlife
Wildlife Continued…
King Environmental Ethics and the
Case for Hunting
Designated Discussion
Leaders –
Working Group #3
Hastings Preferences of Visitors
for Wildlife Species
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SYLLABUS
Decker Human Dimensions of
Wildlife, Ch 18 and 19 (textbook)
Decker Human Dimensions of
Wildlife, Ch 7, 8, 9, 10 (textbook)
12
Nov. 15 - 19
Measuring and
Monitoring Human
Dimensions
13
Nov. 22 - 26
Wildlife Conclusion and
Asimov and Pohl Warming
Issue and Conflict
Interface
No Class on Thursday–
Thanksgiving
Kysar A Loggers Lament
Issues Continued…
Whittaker, et al Choosing Actions:
Problem Definition…
14
Nov. 29 – Dec. 3
PowerPoints and Papers
Due Wed., 1
Final Journals/Bibs, Fri.
3
Reilly The Green Thumb of
Capitalism
Campbell, et al Human
Dimensions Research Related to
Wildland Fire: Problem Definition…
Campbell, et al Human
Dimensions Research Related to
Wildland Fire
15
Dec. 6 - 10
Your Issues Presentation CATCHING UP!!
Discussion
16
Dec. 13 - 17
TBA – Presentations
EXAM WEEK
SEMINAR DISCUSSIONS HELD ON TUESDAYS AT 3:00 P.M. AND THURSDAYS AT 11:00 A.M.
(CENTRAL). You are required to attend one session weekly.
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SYLLABUS
Program Learning Outcomes – for University Assessment Purposes Only
This course is not an assessment course, however, does meet the following PLOs for the College
of Forestry and Agriculture:
1. The student will demonstrate proficiency in research design, relative to their field of study.
2. The student will demonstrate proficiency in the process of reviewing scientific literature
pertinent to their field of study.
4 The student will demonstrate preparation to pursue a professional career and/or Ph.D.
degree in subject.
5 The student will demonstrate competency in oral and written communication skills.
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