Course Description

This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of water law and policy and human relationships, use, threats, and conflicts over water and aquatic resources. The course emphasizes a new integrative approach to water issues based on the nexus of the water commons to health, food, quality of life, energy, climate change, ecosystem, and economy. Group 2 course.

Credit Hours

3

Contact Hours

3

Lecture Hours

3

Required Prerequisites

ENG 111 and MTH 100 or higher, both may be taken concurrently

Recommended Prerequisites or Skills Competencies

PLS 101, WSI 106

General Education Outcomes supported by this course

Critical Thinking - Direct

Other college designations supported by this course

Degree Req:Cultural Persp/Div, Infused: Writing Intensive

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

• Identify and explain the major laws, court decisions, and historical events that influence how we manage water rights and the public trust today.

Application:

• Apply legal principles to analyze real-world water disputes and examine the impact of industries like agriculture and energy on the water cycle.

Integration:

• Connect legal and scientific concepts to formulate a report that recommends a clear solution to a specific water problem.

Human Dimension:

• Interact with the subject matter to describe how water policy decisions affect the lives of diverse communities, cultures, and international security.

Caring - Civic Learning:

• Value the importance of personal stewardship and respect the intrinsic needs of different people and ecosystems regarding water access.

Learning How to Learn:

• Construct a plan to independently research and communicate positions on future water policy challenges and solutions.