This fully asynchronous course is a book study of Dr. Jason Colby's 2018 book Orca:  How We Came to Know and Love the Ocean's Greatest Predator. Colby looks at how public perceptions of orca whales have changed over time, from being seen as dangerous predators to being revered as an icon of the region. A former commercial fisherman and now a scholar at University of Victoria, Colby uses his own family history as well as historical and scientific sources. He examines how human interactions with orca whales have impacted the species, including the decline of southern resident orca whales due to diminished salmon runs and polluted waters. Colby also surveys the impacts of tourism on the Salish Sea as the Pacific Northwest moved from an economy oriented around extractive industries to one based on tourism and activities such as whale-watching. Participants will a submit a pre-reading introductory assignment, guided reading questions, and a final reflection. Completion of the course offers an opportunity to purchase 15 clock hours in STEM. 

The book is available for purchase as a paperback, hardcopy, or audiobook through the following book sellers or libraries may have the book available to check out:

1. Oxford University Press
2. Amazon

 Deadline:  Participants must complete this session in Canvas by September 15, 2024.