This course reviews the broad sciences required for appreciation and understanding of the Great Lakes Ecosystem, and simultaneously explores the challenges inherent in sustainable management of both the Lakes themselves and the societal benefits they support. A rich collection of online lectures by regional experts will provide background scientific understanding of the Great Lakes as a vast, complex and invaluable ecosystem. Class activities will include case studies that illustrate the complexities of current management and policy initiatives aimed at sustaining ecosystem health and services; case study exercises will be resourced by an experienced guest practitioner from the Great Lakes community. Students will also work collaboratively to build case studies on current Great Lakes issues.

This course has two required weekend-field trips in September 2026.