This course explores fundamental ecological processes at the watershed scale (focusing on aquatic systems), and identifies human-caused changes to freshwater, estuarine, and marine ecosystems. We discuss current statues and approaches to manage and restore rivers, the Puget Sound/Georgia basin, and coastal near shore environments. Freshwater science topics include hydrology, stream geomorphology, floodplain/riparian ecology, and macro invertebrate ecology. Estuarine and marine topics include food web dynamics, nutrient cycling, and ecological issues involving Puget Sound plant and animal ecology. Historical and modern perspectives of coastal ecosystem processes will also be reviewed to complete the overview of the Pacific Northwest 's watercourses.

This is the first quarter of a year-long core program for first-year MPA students. Through interdisciplinary study, collaborative learning, speaking across differences and personal engagement we will address the following questions. What is public administration? Who are public administrators? Why does public administration matter? What is the power and knowledge nexus? Where is it? The course is designed to enhance the body of knowledge for practitioners and scholars alike through praxis: the dynamic interaction of theory and practice. Through readings, class participation and applying critical analysis, the intent is to gain an understanding of the enduring issues in public service. We will discuss and analyze what public administrators do at the federal, tribal, state, county, city and non-profit levels. Further, we will analyze and critique the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline and practice of public administration. Finally, we will be forward-looking and assess the challenges and opportunities in public administration.

This course is appropriate for beginners and for low- and high-intermediate students who wish to improve oral proficiency. All instruction is in French. Be prepared to work hard both in class and outside class, and to learn more French than you might imagine possible in a short five weeks.