CONS 401 - Conservation Ethics

Credits: (3)
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 204 or CONS 201 or ENSP 101
College Curriculum: COLL 200
Domain (Anchored): ALV
Domain (Reaching Out): CSI, NQR

This course addresses the ethics of protecting and conserving nature. The approach to ethics is interdisciplinary and broadly involves the politics, values, norms, and moral orders that guide conservation actions in different times and geographies. Often, conservation ethics courses have focused on the history of recognized US naturalists and ecologists and their conceptions of nature. In this course, however, we will examine conservation as a diverse field made not only by experts in the Global North but also by women, BIPOC, indigenous communities, farmers, and the Global South.

Hence, we will examine the different views, positions, and values that shape conservation and earth caring practices. Cases include, among others, wildlife management, hunting, conservation parks, zoos, ecotourism, convivial conservation, and cooperation. Questions include, among others, should conservation lands be returned to the tribes? How can conservation be more diverse and promote equity? Who benefits from ecotourism? Is nature an economic service to humans? Or, what ethics are involved in sterilizing, killing, or eradicating animals?

This seminar has discussion, reading, writing, and research components. There will be readings, discussions, and lectures. We will also examine films, mission statements, policies, and archival documents.

Students will produce an individual blog-style essay based on their own research project. Students will also contribute with an individual concept definition for a collective conservation ethics concepts toolkit. In groups, students will produce a making & doing presentation on an assigned chapter. Participation is crucial for the successful completion of the course.
Cross-listed with: ANTH 314