In this one quarter program, we will explore the connections between human waste, urbanization, disease, and cultural order. Looking both globally and in the U.S., with an emphasis on the Puget Sound Region, we will consider wastewater planning efforts both past and present.  From global philanthropic efforts to address sanitary living conditions to new innovations in household bathroom infrastructure, our examination will address both system-wide plans as well as detailed design issues of individual units. Students will learn about urban wastewater infrastructure, technical innovations in green building solutions, such as grey water systems, and developments in low-income settings globally. We will also explore the cultural dimensions of purity and waste, looking at potty humor, the gendering of bathroom spaces, pollution, and social class. Students should be prepared to confront and question their own "yuck" thresholds as we peek into sewers, observe wastewater treatment, and inhale the waft of waste.

Students will be engaged in group projects and presentations, writing based on readings of texts, fieldtrips to waste management sites, speakers, and documentaries. This program will uniquely prepare students planning to pursue careers or graduate work in public infrastructure, urban planning, global health, international development and philanthropy, or engineering.