853011 Diversity, equity and inclusion in protected areas and natural resource management

Type
Seminar
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Schneider, Ingrid , Arnberger, Arne
Organisation
Offered in
Wintersemester 2024/25
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

We will explore approaches to operationalizing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) principles in protected areas and natural resource management organizational settings, programs and outdoor settings. We will critically examine DEI cases and consider individual and organizational roles and responsibilities for inclusive organizational development.

Course schedule: 8:30 am to 1 pm, Dec 2- 6, 2024 (Monday - Friday)

Class participation (25 points total)
Participation includes: Reflections on readings (thoughts, questions, epiphanies (TQE): you can drop 1; 4 are offered but we will take grades for top 3; 5 points each=15). You will write at least 150 words and include your thoughts, questions and epiphanies from the reading assignment. We will use these in our class discussions. These are typically at least 150 words, written in complete sentences or bullet points, and engage your critical thinking skills.

Journal article memo presentation and discussion: (10 points) You will have the opportunity to share the findings of a journal article you find and evaluate (see below). You will provide a 3-5 minute overview of the article, its implications, and questions or ideas you had that are relevant to the course discussions. This should spark discussion among classmates on the topic. This will be scheduled based on the article/topic selected and the fit in the course materials.


Analysis (25 points total)
Journal article evaluation and memo (15 points written memo): In this assignment, you are assuming the role of an DEI (Diversity, equity and inclusion) analyst for an organization of your choosing (i.e. Forest Service, World Tourism Organization, Ecotravel operator, University department, etc). Part of your job responsibility is keeping your boss informed of the latest research developments in dei as it relates to parks, protected areas or natural resources.
To do this, you will analyze a refereed journal article and write a 2-3 page memo to your boss that summarizes and analyzes the implications of the article for 1) the organization you are assuming a role in (i.e. Forest Service, World Tourism Organization, Sustainable Tourism office in the National Park Service, Ecotravel operator, etc). This assignment creates an awareness and enriched understanding of research literature as well as an opportunity to apply and enhance your understanding of the interaction of DEI. Clear, concise and objective evaluations are part of many environmental positions. (You can see a reminder about refereed journals here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtWUz-eGSPc and check out the Uhrich index (choose a topic, search and then 'narrow' by selecting ‘refereed’ on the left-hand side). Memo formatting information can be found here.

Reflection and action planning (10 points) 2-3 written pages of reflection on the class materials and personal development planning for enhancing your professional prowess in this area.
Previous knowledge expected

None
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

By the end of the class you will be able to:
1) differentiate diversity, equity, inclusion and their applications in protected area and natural resource management
2) describe and discuss theoretical foundations of constraints to outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism
3) critically analyze diversity, equity and inclusion cases across protected areas and natural resources
4) understand individual and organizational roles and responsibilities for inclusive organizational
development
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.