RECM/FOR 404 (formerly 471) Wilderness in the American Context (4 credits UG)
RECM/FOR 560 (formerly 595A) American Wilderness Philosophy and Policy (4credits G)

RECM/FOR 404 and RECM/FOR 560 lay the groundwork for all other courses in the Program. This course provides a broad perspective of what wilderness is and how the idea developed, and exposes the student to some of the differing values, ethics, and expectations of wilderness held by society. It offers an account of the origins of the wilderness idea, tracing the beginnings of the conservation movement from the Greek philosophers to today.

In this course you will examine the early history of wilderness preservation that ultimately led to federal protection in the Wilderness Act and subsequent legislation, including how each agency applies these laws. . Legislation since 1964 and how each agency applies these laws are also discussed. 404/560 is an excellent course for managers and students interested in obtaining a firm academic foundation in wilderness philosophy and ethics.

Content

Chapter 1: focuses on the wilderness ideal and how it came about. In this chapter are discussions of what wilderness is, the wilderness experience, and wilderness ethics. Such wilderness champions as John Muir, Arthur Carhart, and Aldo Leopold are also discussed.

Chapter 2: gives a particularly good historical account of events leading up to and including the Wilderness Act.

Chapter 3: picks up where Chapter 2 leaves off. It offers a detailed discussion of the Wilderness Act's language and significance for management, including judicial interpretations of the Act.

Chapter 4: describes the National Wilderness Preservation System as it is currently administered, and a description of the procedure for adding wilderness areas to the system. An important discussion in this chapter is the final section: "The International Perspective", discussing some applications and critiques of the American wilderness ideal.

Objectives

1. Describe why there are different perceptions of wilderness in society today and how this has evolved throughout history.
2. Articulate the influences of philosophy, science, religion, and politics on the development of a wilderness ideal in America.
3. Explain the basic philosophical and ethical principles connected with an appreciation of wilderness.
4. Describe the events leading up to the Wilderness Act of 1964, including the historical context of these events.
5. Enumerate the fundamental elements of the Wilderness Act and other legislation as it applies to wilderness management.
6. Describe the National Wilderness Preservation System and its function.
7. Understand the significant international issues and critiques of the American wilderness ideal.

Textbooks

Callicott, J.B. and M.P. Nelson. 1998. The Great New Wilderness Debate (Callicott and Nelson, eds.). University of Georgia Press. Athens, GA. 697 pp.

Hendee, J.C., and Chad P Dawson. 2002. Wilderness Management. Fulcrum. Golden, CO. 545 pp.

Leopold, A. 1966. A Sand County Almanac. Ballantyne. New York, NY. 226 pp.

Nash, R. 2001. Wilderness and the American Mind. Yale University Press. New Haven, CT. 425 pp.

Tuition and Fees

Undergraduate Credit- $645
Graduate Credit- $725
Books- $138.50
Credit recording fee- $135 (required upon completion of the course if taking course for academic credit)
REGISTER FOR RECM 404 OR RECM 560