FOR 330: Human Dimensions of Forests

Course Code: FOR 330

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the human dimensions of forestry – that is, the effect that human decisions and systems have on forested ecosystems and the effect that forest ecosystems have on humans. You will learn about why it is important to understand humans, what tools we use to understand human impacts on forests, and we will cover critical topics in human-forest interaction.

A student who successfully completes this course should be able to: (a) understand basic social science research methods, (b) evaluate how humans impact forests at the individual and group level, and (c) identify how forests impact human lives.

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Understand the range of social, cultural and demographic factors that influence forest use and forest management.
Be able to locate sources of social data for forestry applications and evaluate the usefulness of these data for forest management.
Understand the role of public participation in forest management and identify key stakeholders in forest protection and forest stewardship.
Refine your communication, writing, and presentation skills. Build (or improve) skills in several of the following areas: video editing, poster design, interviewing, research, photography.