Watson International Scholars of the Environment
2009 Curriculum

Core Course in African Environmental History

This seminar is devoted to the study of the environmental history of sub-Saharan Africa. Course goals are for scholars to explore the ways in which human interactions with the environment shaped human history, how environmental knowledge is constructed and the resulting repercussions, and to survey some methodological principles for historical research. This course also has an applied dimension: along with the Watson Scholar participants, Brown University students will take part in the class and, in their final course project, will be paired with Watson Scholars to conduct research that is of use to the scholars on historical cases related to their training at Brown.

Global and Information Systems Module

The GIS module provides instruction in basic, introductory GIS concepts and techniques including spatial data structures, spatial data sources and transfer methods, projections and coordinate systems, georeferencing, metadata, and fundamental spatial analysis procedures such as overlay, extraction, and interpolation. The concepts are taught primarily through hands-on computer laboratory exercises using ESRI's ArcGIS Desktop software, and supplemented by brief lectures where needed.

The goal is to provide scholars with an understanding of how GIS can be utilized to promote their research and/or decision-making responsibilities. It is important for participants to have a general knowledge and familiarity with personal computers, computer terminology, files and directories, and the Windows XP operating system.

Remote Sensing:

The remote sensing module provides an overview in the theory of remote sensing. It explores available remote sensing data sets, applications for environmental science, and study limitations. After this module, participants will be able to use simple remote sensing data sets and techniques in their projects, integrated with GIS, and to critique and analyze remote sensing studies related to their area of study.

Ecological Economics:

Climate Change:

Rural Poverty:

Urbanization and Poverty:

Demography and Migration in Africa:

Conflict Negotiation:

Discussions with international practitioners of sustainable land use and conservation

Site visits to local and regional NGOs, government organizations, research institutes, museums, and relevant local environmental facilities

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