GDEV 5260

Water

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

This course confronts the present and future challenge of sharing water resources that are abundant for some and scarce for others. We will start with the science of water, what it provides for us and how it constrains us. We will examine perceptions of scarcity through film and field trips. We will consider the way we use water and the tools we have for sharing it and valuing it. Finally, we’ll draw on games and role play to draw out the challenges of managing water conflict and achieving equitable, efficient use of water resources. Students should expect to push themselves with readings across the sciences and the humanities; critical writing; quantitative reasoning with spreadsheets; and in-class participation in experiments, games, and roleplay.

Last 4 Terms Offered (None)

Learning Outcomes

• Examine the basics of water science, hydrology, water management and governance.
• Synthesize across human and environmental dimensions of water problems.
• Communicate technical knowledge in water problem dialogs.
• Relate contemporary water challenges to their analogs in history, art, and culture.
• Identify governance alternatives to address specific water issues.

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