Full course description
Course summary:
Natural sounds awaken our sense of awe; connect us to the splendor of wilderness; and powerfully affect our emotions, attitudes, and memories. This course will help users learn the difference between sounds and noises in wilderness soundscapes, identify threats to these soundscapes, and examine strategies for soundscape management.
Course objectives:
After completing this course, learners should be able to:
- Explain the basis for managing the soundscape and the acoustical environment in wilderness as provided by the Wilderness Act and agency policy.
- Recognize potential threats to the soundscapes and acoustical environment in wilderness.
- Identify several strategies for addressing threats to soundscapes and the acoustical environment in wilderness, including planning and monitoring.
Recommended background:
It is strongly recommended that you complete the free The Wilderness Act of 1964 and the Minimum Requirements Analysis courses before beginning this course. It is recommended that you also complete Natural Resource Management in Wilderness: Fundamentals before beginning the course.
Course topics include:
- Key Terms
- Law and Policy
- Wilderness Character
- Stewardship Goal
- Stewardship Model
- Step 1: Identify Goal
- Step 2: Inventory
- Step 3: Is Action Necessary?
- Step 4: Action Alternatives
- Step 5: Evaluate Actions
- Step 6: Monitor and Adapt
Elements of the course:
- Informational text
- Interactive practice activities
- Supplemental reference materials
- Final assessment
This course is self-paced, allowing learners the flexibility to complete the course as quickly or slowly as they need.
After completing all course content and activities, you will complete a final quiz to demonstrate your understanding of key course concepts. Upon successful completion of the quiz, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.
Course creators:
This course was designed and developed jointly by the Arthur Carhart Wilderness Training Center and the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University.
How to access:
Upon enrolling, you will receive instructions and the link to the Canvas course. Note: When you register, you will receive an email invitation. Be sure to accept that invitation, or Canvas will not allow you to open the course modules.
Enrollees can move through content modules at their own pace within the course timeframe.