J298 American Keystones and their Stories

America’s broad and diverse landscapes harbor animals and plants that have played an outsized role in the history, ecology, and cultures of the nation. These “American Keystones”—such as large predators, migratory herds, salmon and cod—have sustained societies, driven conflict and colonization, and, at times, sparked unity through contemporary conservation and restoration efforts. Today, modern science is shining new light on the critical roles that keystone species play in holding ecosystems together, and a deepening recognition of the role of traditional ecological knowledge, rural agricultural communities, and even cities in sustaining them. This seminar will explore the evolving concept of keystone species as well as approaches to telling stories about them through ecological, cultural and economic lenses. Students will work collaboratively to identify, conceptualize, and propose storytelling projects based on case studies drawn from the sciences and media. The course will inform a developing partnership between UC Berkeley and the National Geographic Society on these themes.

Instructors are Arthur Middleton and Jason Spingarn-Koff.

It is open to graduate students and advanced undergraduates, with priority given to students in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management and the School of Journalism.

Please note that this class is in Welman 410.