College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 2015-2016 Catalog

216 MACS 5030 – Interdisciplinary Theories and Perspectives This course starts by exploring the theories and the theoretical frameworks found in academic disciplines and their importance to interdisciplinarity. The differences between disciplinary, multidisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and interdisciplinary perspectives will be examined and critiqued. Case studies and current issues will be critiqued using interdisciplinary approaches. ` MACS 5032 - Aquatic Invasions Outbreaks and Diseases Aquatic, coastal and marine ecosystems can be exposed to a number of biological stressors and disturbances such as (i) invasive species (e.g. lionfish, Asian carp, zebra mussels),(ii) outbreaks (e.g. crown-of-thorns starfish, mat tunicates), and (iii) diseases (e.g. Eelgrass wasting disease, Fibropapilloma in sea turtles), and (iv) mass mortality events (e.g. Diadema epizootic, 1998 worldwide coral bleaching, fish kills associated with HABs). The focus of this course shall include case studies from current scientific literature, anthropogenic and environmental factors that influence IODs, disturbance and adaptation theories, and contemporary solutions for prevention and protection. MACS 5040 – Human Factors This course presents communication theories relevant to conflict resolution as well as theories about understanding, analyzing, and managing conflict. The course focuses on the human and emotional aspects of conflict, and includes the influence of gender and culture. This course is pragmatic as well as theoretical, and presents communication and conflict resolution models in a practice-based approach. Offered all terms MACS 5100 – Mediation Theory & Practice This course examines theories, methods, and techniques of mediation. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of mediation skills. Prerequisites: MACS 5040. Offered fall and winter. MACS 5140 – Negotiation Theory and Practice This course examines conflict intervention from the perspective of the disputant/negotiator. The integration of theory and practice will emphasize the tactics, strategies, and operations of effective and ineffective bargaining/ negotiating behavior. The course develops negotiator skills and knowledge, leading to collaborative-based actions and solutions. Offered winter. MACS 5300 – Fundamental Concepts of Climate Change Climate change is increasingly at the forefront of scientific and policy considerations worldwide, but the basic dynamics of the atmosphere and climate processes are not generally understood. This course will be one of the core courses in the Graduate Certificate and Coastal Climate Change, and an elective within the MS in Coastal Zone Management degree program. It will introduce simple concepts and observations regarding weather and the marine and coastal environment, and build into more complex enquiries and investigations regarding the physical, chemical, biological and geographical aspects. Upon course completion, students will better comprehend the science behind marine and coastal climate change and be able to make use of this knowledge in their decision-making within their communities and work environment.