COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Human-wildlife conflict is a persistent social, economic, and ecological problem. As human populations grow and expand into new territory, they compete with wildlife for land and resources. This conflict results in loss or destruction of habitat, poaching of wildlife, social changes in human and wildlife communities, economic losses, and loss of life within human populations. This course examines human-wildlife conflict across the globe and the different ecological and social realities that exist on different continents. The course also examines how human-wildlife conflict at the local level shapes, and is shaped by culture and by transnational, governmental, and non-governmental efforts to curb poaching, preserve valuable habitat, and address issues of extreme poverty in the developing world.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

This course fulfills the WKU Colonnade Connections Course Requirement - Local to Global Category (3 hours). Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyze the problem of human-wildlife conflict within a variety of local contexts using sociological and ecological theories and research
2. Examine the relationship between human-wildlife conflict at a local level and the development of transnational and non-governmental institutions created to address this social and ecological problem
3. Evaluate the effectiveness and efficacy of specific strategies designed to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, especially in developing countries with high level of extreme poverty
4. Collect relevant research evidence and argue different perspectives on the inherently divisive issue of conservation vs. utilization of natural resources given the sociocultural realities in a selected case/cases.

REQUIRED MATERIAL:

There is no required text for this course. Articles will be assigned and posted on Blackboard. These articles will be from journals and/or books in the fields of conservation biology and sociology, which may include Conservation Biology, Society and Natural Resources, and Human Dimensions of Wildlife. 

COURSE ORGANIZATION:

This 3-credit hour course will require approximately three hours of direct faculty instruction each week. In addition, you may expect to spend approximately six hours on out-of-class student work for this course each week for approximately 15 weeks. Out-of-class work may include but is not limited to: required reading, library research, written assignments, and studying for and taking exams. 

EVALUATION AND GRADING:

Students will be evaluated based on the following performance indicators:

1. Midterm examination (20% of the final grade): The midterm exam will be administered after completion of Lessons 1-6. It will require students to apply and synthesize information presented and discussed in Lessons 1-6 in three written essay responses.
2. Final examination (20% of the final grade): The final exam will be administered after completion of Lessons 7-11. It will require students to apply and synthesize information presented and discussed in Lessons 7-11 and information included in the student group presentations. Similar to the midterm examination, students will be required to respond to three essay questions.
3. Group Presentation (20% of the final grade): Students will be divided into groups of four or five students, and they will develop and give a 12-15 minute presentation focused on a specific case study or issue related to human-wildlife conflict in the world. Each group will divide into at least two smaller groups and present opposing sides of the issue using existing theories or research presented in the course. The case study selected must demonstrate how human-wildlife conflict at a local level affects actions taken by nation states, non-governmental and transnational organizations at a global level. Students must also address how these global institutions affect, for better or worse, efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict for local communities.
4. Research Paper (20% of the final grade): Each student will submit a final research paper that examines and evaluates the efficacy of a strategy used to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in a local context and to assess this strategy’s potential generalizability for alleviating human-wildlife conflict on a global scale. Students will be required to investigate and research the strategy used and to evaluate and discuss the strategy’s effectiveness using published research. Students may pursue an example that serves as a longitudinal case study (one strategy in one location over time) or one that yields a comparative study (one strategy compared across different geographical areas). The professors are happy to meet with students individually to identify a strategy/topic they might explore for this final paper upon request. The final paper must focus on a case study not presented in class. The final paper will be 5-6 pages (word-processed, double-spaced, 12-point New Times Roman font, 1 inch margins) and include a bibliography in addition to the required 5-6 pages. Students may follow either the MPA or APA citation formats.
5. In class assignments & activities (20% of the final grade): Each student will complete several in-class assignments and activities designed to require synthesis and application of the material presented in lectures and readings assigned for homework. These in-class activities and assignments will also be used to track attendance and participation.

Students must submit exams, papers, projects, and in-class activities/assignments on the date specified.

All your grades will be posted on the course Blackboard site: https://wku.blackboard.com/. 

If you are part of a working group, your individual grade will reflect in part your individual contributions to the group project. If one or two students "carry" the group, those students will receive the best grades.

The first step in resolving a complaint about grades is for the student to attempt to resolve the problem directly with the course instructors. See the Student Handbook, available at http://www.wku.edu/handbook/ for additional guidance.  

GRADING SCALE:

TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE:

This is a general schedule of quiz dates  and readings to be done in preparation for class.

• We expect you to respect one another. We are all Hilltoppers. We take care of one another, our hill, our community, and beyond. Everybody is trying to understand the material and how it fits with their values and experiences. Give folks time to process. Each of us may have strongly differing opinions on the various topics of class discussions. Diverse ideas and views are important to the class, and the orderly questioning of others' ideas, including mine, is encouraged and welcomed. Everyone's arguments can use polish. The only way we improve is by continuously re-examining our evidence and our argument. However, it is imperative that everyone be respectful of the each other. Couch your feedback to try to help the others understand. Focus on the evidence and argument presented, not the speaker's personal characteristics. You should expect that if your conduct during discussions seriously disrupts the atmosphere of mutual respect we expect in this class, you will not be permitted to participate further.

• We fully expect you to demonstrate a degree of classroom etiquette that reflects being a respectful adult in our society. Therefore, we will not tolerate any of the following in the classroom: (1) ringing cell phones, (2) talking on a cell phone during class, (3) text messaging during class, (4) walking into class late, (5) leaving class early (without prior arrangements), (6) the use of computers for tasks other than taking notes. We will reduce your final grade by 50 points (1/2 letter grade) for each instance these classroom etiquette expectations are violated.

• Regular and consistent attendance is expected. We realize all of you have busy lives. If anything serious or significant occurs in your life that may hurt your performance in the course, please let us know ASAP.

• Please do not wait until the end of the semester to seek assistance when you are having difficulties with the course. Please use my office hours or contact me to arrange a time to meet. I am more than willing to arrange a time that works for both of us. I'm usually in my office, but I'm teaching four classes this term so I'll often be recording lectures and/or grading. The best way to reach me is email. Please put your name and the course number in the subject line of the email. I'll try to respond within 24 hours. 

• If you prefer to be called a different name than what is indicated on the class roster, please let me know. Also, feel free to correct me on your preferred gender pronoun. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
  

• The United States Department of Education requires WKU's Office of Financial Aid to determine if a student who receives financial aid and fails to earn a passing grade in a course actually attended and/or completed the course. If you earn an F, your last date of attendance will be reported to the United Stated Department of Education. If this date is at or before the 60% point of the term (in this semester, March 27), this may require you to pay back any financial aid funds received for this course.

• All students are strongly encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Out of respect for the health and safety of the WKU community and in adherence with CDC guidelines and practices of all public universities and colleges in Kentucky, the University requires that a cloth face covering (reusable or disposable) that covers both the nose and mouth must be worn at all times when in public areas within all buildings. Students must properly wear face coverings while in class regardless of the room size or the nature of the classroom activities. Students who fail to wear a face covering as required will be in violation of the WKU Student Code of Conduct and will be asked to comply or will face disciplinary action, including possible dismissal from the University. Accommodations can be requested in special cases through the Student Accessibility and Resource Center (SARC): 270-745-5004 (voice), 270-745-3030 (TTY), or 270-288-0597 (video).

   

  All students must immediately report a positive Covid-19 test result or close contact with a person who has tested positive to the Covid-19 Assistance Line at 270-745-2019. The assistance line is available to answer questions regarding any Covid-19 related issue. This guidance is subject to change based on requirements set forth by public health agencies or the office of the governor. Please refer to the Healthy on the Hill website for the most current information. www.wku.edu/healthyonthehill   

   

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RESOURCE INFORMATION:

• WKU Writing Center 

The Writing Center on the Bowling Green campus will have writing tutors available to offer advice to current WKU students on any stage of their writing projects. In-person tutoring is available in Cherry Hall 123 from 9-4 Monday through Friday and in the Cravens Commons (at the horseshoe-shaped reference desk) from 5-9 on Sunday through Thursday evenings. Students may also request feedback on their writing via email or arrange a real-time Zoom conference to discuss a paper. See instructions and how-to videos on the website (www.wku.edu/writingcenter) for making appointments. Walk-in feedback is available unless we are booked up. Students may also get short writing questions answered via email; just put "Quick question" in the subject line to (writingcenter@wku.edu).  

The WKU Glasgow START Center/Writing Center will be offering writing tutoring sessions as well as in person. More information on how to make appointments and what to expect from your appointment will continue to be posted at https://www.wku.edu/startcenter/. 

• The Learning Center (TLC)

TLC (located in Downing Student Union 2141) offers an ideal environment to foster student success. Students can take advantage of a vast array of services to supplement course specific content distributed within the classroom. For example, students may utilize the large, quiet study space or their 12 machine computer lab to complete assignments. TLC also provides face-to-face tutoring in over 200 WKU courses by our certified tutors. TLC offers online tutoring as well. In addition to specific courses, TLC offers tutoring in many academic skill areas including time management, note taking strategies, and reading comprehension. 

• Research Appointments with your Personal Librarian

  At WKU Libraries, your Personal Librarians are always ready to help! There are librarians for every program on campus, plus Special Collection librarians and archivists. Their goal is to save you time and help you be successful on term papers and research projects by showing you what you need to know to get started and be successful.

  Start your research by scheduling an appointment with your Personal Librarian. Find them at https://libguides.wku.edu/subject_specialists, call Helm-Cravens Reference at 270-745-6125, or email web.reference@wku.edu
  

• ADA Accommodation

In compliance with University policy, students with disabilities who require academic and/or auxiliary accommodations for this course must contact the Student Accessibility Resource Center located in Downing Student Union, Room 1074.  The SARC can be reached by phone number at 270-745-5004 [270-745-3030 TTY] or via email at sarc.connect@wku.edu. Please do not request accommodations directly from the professor or instructor without a faculty notification letter (FNL) from The Student Accessibility Resource Center.

• Title IX/Discrimination and Harassment

  Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to supporting faculty, staff and students by upholding WKU’s Title IX Sexual Misconduct/Assault Policy (#0.2070) and Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040). Under these policies, discrimination, harassment and/or sexual misconduct based on sex/gender are prohibited. If you experience an incident of sex/gender-based discrimination, harassment and/or sexual misconduct, you are encouraged to report it to the Title IX Coordinator, Andrea Anderson, 270-745-5398 or Title IX Investigators, Michael Crowe, 270-745-5429 or Joshua Hayes, 270-745-5121.Please note that while you may report an incident of sex/gender based discrimination, harassment and/or sexual misconduct to a faculty member, WKU faculty are “Responsible Employees” of the University and MUST report what you share to WKU’s Title IX Coordinator or Title IX Investigator. If you would like to speak with someone who may be able to afford you confidentiality, you may contact WKU’s Counseling and Testing Center at 270-745-3159.

   

• Help

  College students often experience challenges that may interfere with academic success such as stress, sleep problems, juggling responsibilities, life events, relationship concerns, or feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, or depression. The pandemic has only exacerbated these issues. If you, or a friend, is struggling, we strongly encourage you to seek support. Helpful, effective resources are available on campus at no additional cost.

  • If you are struggling academically with this class, please visit me during office hours or contact me by email at douglas.smith@wku.edu
  • Meet with your academic advisor if you are struggling academically in multiple classes, unsure whether you are making the most of your time at WKU, or unsure what academic resources are available at WKU.
  • Visit the Counseling Center website at https://www.wku.edu/heretohelp/ for information about the broad range of confidential on-campus mental health services, online health assessments, hours, and additional information.
  • Call the Counseling Center at (270) 745-3159 if interested in scheduling an appointment with a counselor. After-hours crisis support is also available through this phone number.

   

• WKU Food Pantry

  The WKU Office of Sustainability offers non-perishable food and toiletries to all WKU students, faculty, and staff. No proof of need is necessary. The only requirement to use the pantry is completion of a digital form.  All information is kept confidential and is used solely to track pantry usage statistics. The Food Pantry is located at the WKU Office of Sustainability, 503 Regents Avenue--diagonally behind Gary Ransdell Hall in a small brick house). For schedule and details, please see https://www.wku.edu/sustainability/food_pantry.php.

   

• Other Important Information

  WKU maintains a web page with other important information here: https://www.wku.edu/syllabusinfo/.  This page details the student complaint procedure, lists the student ombudsperson, provides info on active shooter preparedness, and many other important topics.  Please go take a look. 

SYLLABUS CHANGE POLICY:

The syllabus for any class is a road map. The readings in the course calendar are places we are scheduled to visit.  Anyone who has taken a preplanned road trip or vacation knows that the trip is not fun unless you stop at the interesting roadside attractions even though they might divert from your original route or time table.  It's the process of getting there that is fun and relaxing and intriguing.  In that light, I reserve the right to alter the standards and requirements set forth in this syllabus at any time. Notice of such changes will be by announcement on Blackboard and/or by email notice.

ADD/DROP DATES:

Last day to add a full semester class: January 25

Last day to drop a full semester class without receiving a grade: January 25

Last day to receive 25% refund for the Spring semester: February 7

The 60% point of the Spring semester: March 27

Last day to drop a class with a W: April 5

Last day to remove an incomplete from Fall or Winter terms: April 15

Roster freeze date (No late adds or withdrawals for extenuating circumstances will be processed after this date): April 28

Students are expected to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct. We will not tolerate any form of academic dishonesty, including cheating and plagiarism (especially on your exams and papers). Persons violating the Student Code of Conduct (in particular but not limited to the section on academic conduct) in any assignment or exam in this class will receive an "F" for the course.  In particular, no form of academic misconduct will be tolerated (see https://www.wku.edu/studentconduct/process-for-academic-dishonesty.php.) Know your Regulations!