Wicked Water Issues Immersive Course
Explore Northern Michigan's waters. Tackle real-world challenges. Earn college credit in 3 weeks.
INT 322: Wicked Problems of Sustainability
What is INT 322: Wicked Problems of Sustainability?
Find out what it takes to address some of today's most complex water challenges! Spend an immersive week in Traverse City exploring the region's waterways, connecting with community experts, and discovering how environmental, economic, health, and social issues intersect.
Through hands-on experiences and interdisciplinary problem-solving, you'll gain new perspectives on the challenges facing our freshwater resources while earning 3 GVSU credits!
What is a Wicked Problem?
Wicked problems are complex, interconnected challenges that don't have a single, straightforward solution. Issues like water quality, PFAS contamination, and freshwater sustainability involve competing priorities, multiple stakeholders, and environmental, economic, and social considerations.
Interested in Signing Up?
Whether you're a current GVSU student, studying at another institution, or simply interested in exploring wicked water challenges, we'd love to hear from you!
INT 322 is a three-credit course open to GVSU students from all majors who meet the junior-standing requirement (55+ earned credits). Students from other institutions, including NMC, may also have opportunities to participate through guest enrollment, subject to eligibility and approval.
Not sure if you qualify? That's okay! Complete our interest form to learn more about the course, receive registration updates, and explore potential pathways to participation.
“Complete the Interest Form”
This class is offered once every other year and has limited seats
Class Details
INT 322: Wicked Problems of Sustainability
Led by Professor. Kate Fairman, this 3-week intensive course is hybrid, both online and in-person
- Week 1 - online instruction and learning
- Week 2 - immersive in-person participation in Traverse City
- Week 3 - online learning and reflection
Dates: May 2027
- Week 1 and Week 3 are offered online asynchronously
- Week 2 is an immersive experience offered in-person in Traverse City
For Grand Valley general education requirements, this class fulfills an issues requirement as part of the Sustainability Issue. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Please review the Policies and Guidelines as related to this course, if you require Disability Support Services please contact the office at (616) 331-3880 or email [email protected].
Sample Itinerary for the Immersive Week
Each day will include a field activity, whether kayaking, biking, hiking or sailing. Students can expect to be out in the elements, rain or shine. Students will also meet in the classroom, conference room or in the field with community stakeholders.
Important Notes:
- Students are responsible for their own transportation to Traverse City and for lodging.
- There is a course fee of $175 to support experiential learning associated with the in-person components of the course.
- All in person meeting dates and day trips are mandatory in order to pass this course.
Sample Itinerary for Immersive Days (Week 2)
*The following is a sample itinerary highlighting potential field experiences and activities. Specific activities, locations, and schedules are subject to change based on weather, partner availability, and other considerations.
- Day 1: Orient to the week ahead, discuss projects, visit wetlands and consider groundwater and other water issues as they impact the environment and human health.
- Day 2: Sail on Inland Sea's research schooner, visit rain gardens and engage in conversations related to issues of microplastics, PFAs.
- Day 3: Kayak the Boardman River, visit dam site. Participate in water testing analysis. Tour the water treatment plant.
- Day 4: Explore urban issues, bike riding around Boardman Lake, and community stakeholder presentations.
- Day 5: Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, depart in the afternoon.
