Salish Sea Studies Courses
SALI 201 Introduction to the Salish Sea
This place-based, experiential, and multidisciplinary course introduces students to the complex human-environment systems of our shared bioregion, an international inland sea fed by watersheds governed by the United States, Canada, and over 60 Tribes and First Nations. The estuarine inland Salish Sea is surrounded by snow-capped mountain ranges and rich in biodiversity. Freshwater lakes and glaciers filter through temperate rainforest into rivers that meet the saltwater and tides from the Pacific Ocean, filling the Puget Sound, Georgia Basin, and Strait of Juan de Fuca. The name “Salish Sea” reflects the long history of Straits and Coast Salish peoples, who have deep and abiding relationships with the lands and waters. This course invites students to critically examine complex issues in the Salish Sea, and to build meaningful connections across borders, disciplines, and systems to bring to life an healthy and just future for our bioregion.
Optional co-requisite: SALI 202
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
GUR Attributes: BCGM
SALI 202 Introduction to the Salish Sea - Lab
This course is an optional lab companion to SALI 201: Introduction to the Salish Sea. In SALI 202, students will engage in experiential and applied learning activities that will further deepen and activate SALI 201 content in the areas of natural and social sciences, humanities, and Indigenous ways of knowing.
Co-requisite: SALI 201
Credits: 1
Grade Mode: Letter
SALI 390 Topics in Salish Sea
Topics in Salish Sea Studies. Variable topics. Repeatable with different topics to a maximum of 10 credits, including original course. Prerequisites & Notes: SALI 201 or instructor permission.
Credits: 3-5
Grade Mode: Letter
SALI 495 Salish Sea Studies Insternship
Students will complete the SSI Internship agreement prior to the start of the internship. Registration requires an override which will be given only when the signed form (by student, organization supervisor and SSI advisor) has been returned to the SSI advisor.
This course enables students to gain hands-on, place-based, experience in the Salish Sea. Students are responsible for finding an internship with an organization that relates to one or more of the 4 domains of the Salish Sea Studies Minor: Domain 1 - Art, Storytelling, and Science Communication; Domain 2 – Salish Sea Histories and Cultures; Domain 3 – Power and Governance; and Domain 4 – Ecological Health and Restoration. Students then contact the SSI advisor to discuss the opportunity and determine specific learning goals and the number of credits to be completed. Students should complete 30 hours of work for each credit hour for which they are registered. This will be tracked by the student and the organization supervisor and communicated to the SSI advisor in weekly updates. A final reflection will be completed at the end of the quarter. Work must be completed during the quarter the student is registered for this course. The SSI advisor will communicate with the organization internship supervisor to determine satisfactory completion of the student’s work.
Prerequisites & Notes: Salish Sea Studies Minor status
Credits: 1-5
Grade Mode: S/U
SALI 490/590 Salish Sea Studies Community Seminar
This place-based and interdisciplinary course creates a learning community among students enrolled in the Salish Sea Studies minor or exploring the minor. This course is adapted and recreated each quarter with new learning activities and readings. This course gives students and instructors creative space to explore the complex ecologies and human experiences of the Salish Sea region, an international and transboundary body of water. This place-based course creates a learning community among students enrolled or interested in the Salish Sea Studies minor. Instructors in SALI 490/590 will highlight how Salish Sea Studies learning domains will be activated throughout the course, guiding students to explore interconnections across their self-designed curriculum for the minor. Every quarter, students will complete regular reflections and a final narrative essay to synthesize their learning experiences. Repeatable up to 6 credits, including original course.
Credits: 1
Grade Mode: S/U
SALI 496 Teaching Assistant for Salish Sea Studies
The teaching assistantship is intended to provide students with practical experience in the teaching of Salish Sea Studies courses at the undergraduate level. To that end, students will get hands-on experience in the various activities associated with teaching SALI courses. TA duties may include attending class sessions, lead/facilitate in person/online discussion groups, assisting the instructor in preparing lecture materials and assignments, and assisting students in the class with understanding the course material either in or outside of class.
TA requirements:
• Be enrolled in the Salish Sea Studies Minor
• Completed SALI 201 with a grade level of B or higher
• Positive referral from SALI 201 instructor indicating the student’s understanding of the material, positive work ethic and ability to lead and work with other students
Prerequisites: SALI 201
Credits: 2-5
Grade Mode: S/U