Courses Taught

SMS 230: Marine Policy & Fisheries Management

Developed and taught by Dr. Johnson since 2009, this undergraduate course provides an introduction to marine policy, with emphasis on marine fisheries management in the United States. Students will be introduced to a variety of tools and policy approaches for managing complex marine ecosystems. Lectures and readings will highlight current and historical challenges facing oceans management, as well as the role of scientists and other stakeholders in marine policy. Potential issues addressed includes, but is not limited to, marine fisheries, marine pollution, aquaculture, renewable energy, and climate change. 3 credits. This course is taught every Fall semester.

SMS 552: Coupled Human & Natural Systems 

This interdisciplinary graduate seminar is concerned with the intersection between social and natural systems, and it provides a basic introduction to social-ecological systems (SES) and SES research. Through discussion and readings of the literature, the course will explore key frameworks and their applications for the study and management of complex, coupled human and natural systems through case studies and readings of the primary literature. Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research, both critical elements of coupled systems research, will also be explored. 3 credits. Prerequisites: Graduate student and instructor permission. This course is taught in the Fall semester, when taught.

Infrequently or Previously Taught Courses

  • SMS 567: Knowledge and Participation in the Science Policy Process. This graduate seminar explores the role of (1) science and other forms of knowledge and expertise and (2) participation (e.g., stakeholder engagement in science and management, citizen science) in the science policy process. 3 credits. 
  • SMS 598: Advanced Readings in Marine Policy: This course introduces graduate students in my lab to foundational readings in marine social science and policy. 1-3 credits. 
  • SMS 598: Special Topics Courses that have been taught on demand:
    • Applied Anthropology and Marine Policy
    • Applied Research Methods in Marine Policy
    • Social Network Analysis
    • Social Dimensions of Climate Change