MSCI 688 - Coastal & Marine Policy Seminar

Spring (2) Hartley, Shaffner Graded Pass/Fail

Students will explore the science-policy interface in a weekly seminar-style course and through 3-day field trips to Virginia’s state capitol in Richmond (state-level) or Washington D.C. (federal-level), in alternative years. The course is designed to increase student knowledge of state or federal government structure, particularly the coastal, marine, and environmental resource management agencies, but also the General Assembly or Congress; awareness of the nature of the science-policy interface at the state or federal level, including challenges, opportunities, science communication; awareness of the critical professional skills and competencies needed for careers at the science-policy interface, including opportunities to practice professional networking skills and identify one’s strengths and limitations.