A watershed is more than just a hydrological feature on a map, it is a way of integrating the social, ecological, historical, and physical aspects of a place -- in short human ecology.  This team-taught course builds on the extensive work that the College has done in the Union River Watershed.  Through class discussions, weekly field trips, and "hands-on" assignments, students will learn about, and make connections between, the geology,  hydrology, water quality, ecology, history, economics, sociology, land use,  and policy issues in this microcosm of the State of Maine.  Methodologies, information, and skills learned will be applicable to watersheds around the world.  The course will also look at the strengths and limitations to a watershed approach to planning.  In addition to weekly assignments, students will undertake a term-long study of one of the lakes in the watershed in which they will integrate the various disciplines covered in the class.  This research will be used by the Union River Watershed Coalition and other community groups who are working in the watershed.  Class readings will cover both specific site-based literature and theoretical critiques.  Students will be evaluated on the basis of their classwork, term-long project, various role-playing exercises, participation, and problem sets.

Level:  Introductory (preference will be given to 1st and 2nd year students).   Lab fee $40 (for field trips and the three-day camping trip at the beginning of the term.)