Program Director: Tsegaye Nega

Fall Term 2008: ENTS 244 (6 credits)

Pre-requisite Sociology/Anthropology 110, 111, or permission of instructor

How can the need for intensive human social and economic development in sub-Saharan Africa be reconciled with the continents abundant biodiversity? This course explores the wide range of actions people take at a local, national, and international level to address this question. Using Kenya or Tanzania as a main case study, we will also examine contemporary debatees on how best to reconcile biodiversity conservation and development (e.g., Should local people be allowed to use protected areas or should these areas be inviolate? Should parks be used for biodiversity preservation only or should they be commercially utilized to benefit local communities? Should experts manage protected area or should they be managed by local communities?). While mainly focused in Sub-Saharan Africa, the aim of the course is to bring to sharp relief the opportunities and obstacles towards developing a just and sustainable world.

Winter Break/Winter Term 2008: ENTS 245 (6 credits)

Pre-requisite ENTS 244

Research on-site in Africa, December 2008.
Writing and presentation of research projects during winter term.