This course is an examination of the coastal zone from an environmental perspective. The interactions between physical processes and human actions will be investigated. The course will cover the problems and possible solutions of managing coastal resources. Geographic factors will be examined such as: human population and settlement, resource utilization, coastal policy and planning, environmental management, and the conflict between natural processes and human use. Students will learn how to interpret the cultural landscape of coastal environments. Emphasis will be on North America, but global examples will also be included.