Spring 2024

For as long as humans have been on earth, we have coexisted with animals on their planet. From food, to art to culture, wildlife have been symbols in religion, advanced societies through agriculture, medicine, and fueled human innovation and creativity. There are an estimated 8.7 million different species, with rapid extinction resulting in losses before they've ever been described. Here we learn how other species have shaped and influenced cultures throughout human history and how efforts dedicated toward conservation began and have evolved over time. Topics covered include a basic introduction to wildlife diversity and biology followed by the history of wildlife in human disease and medicine; wildlife domestication for food security and companionship; wildlife in artistic inspiration and creation; and wildlife in technological innovation. Medicine, art, food, clothes, and technology have all been influenced by our wild counterparts. Come meet them!

Life support systems on planet Earth are becoming progressively more challenged by a global human population that has exceeded 7 billion people. With a focus on natural resources, we will explore how society deals with threats to the planetary goods and services on which all life depends. Sustainability lies at the intersection of the environment, society, and economics. We will explore environmental, societal, and economic strategies and perspectives humans have developed to become effective stewards of our natural resources and achieve a sustainable Earth.