1 Syllabus

This course investigates the fundamental issues addressed by scientists studying tropical rain forests, including what gave rise to their remarkable biodiversity, the drivers and consequences of deforestation, why people are fascinated by rain forests, cultural and ecological stereotypes about the tropics, and different approaches to forest conservation and sustainability. By the end of the course students will be able to:

  • Recognize and describe stereotypes about rain forests & their residents
  • Analyze rain forest tropes in art, literature, & popular culture
  • Discuss & evaluate hypotheses for the origins and maintenance of tropical biodiversity
  • Explain & compare the history and ecological influence of humans in rain forests
  • Review contemporary threats to rain forests
  • Analyze and visualize data on deforestation
  • Review and contrast strategies for rain forest conservation & restoration
  • Identify rain forests in their daily lives & set personal goals for advancing their conservation
  • Produce materials for communicating about tropical biology & conservation to family and peers

When & Where

When: Tuesdays 3:00-3:50 and Thursdays 3:00-4:55
Where: LIT 0231 (both days)

Instructor & TA

Instructor: Dr. Emilio M. Bruna [embruna@ufl.edu, (352) 846-0634]
Teaching Assistant: Priyanka Hari Haran [phariharan1@ufl.edu, (352) 846-0527]

Credits & Prerequisites

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Quest Program: Quest 2
GenEd Designation: International

A minimum grade of C is required for Quest and General Education credit. Courses intended to satisfy Quest and General Education requirements cannot be taken S-U.

Minors & Certificates

This course counts towards: