2011-2013 Catalog (without addenda) 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2011-2013 Catalog (without addenda) [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

SEG 3213 Sustainable Systems and the Natural History of Whaling

3 Credits
The Cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), including some of the largest animals ever known to have lived, have evolved many unusual structures, physiologies and social organizations. This course discusses Cetacean biology, including their ecological relationships and their social and migratory behaviors. The course covers the history of the whaling industry, ships, catching whales, processing them and shipping the products. The uses and markets for the products also are discussed. Topics include the global aspects of whale harvesting, the depletion of whale stocks, and attempts by governments and concerned groups to control and stop the hunting. Discussions include international frustrations over whaling-control bans—whales were part of the ocean “commons,” accessible to all nations. The course also looks at the seal-fur trade industry and fishing threats to the dolphin/porpoise population.

Prerequisite(s): One level 2 PS course.
Note: Satisfies a humanities and social sciences elective.