This seminar will explore the historical shifts in scientific thinking about topics that are relevant to understanding and managing ecosystems.  Working individually or in groups, students will choose a topic of interest to them and, under guidance of the professor, will lead one discussion during the semester.  Discussions will include (1) a PowerPoint presentation that can be distributed to all students as a topical summary and study guide, (2) a reading list and bibliography of the major classical papers in that field, and (3) class discussion of a key, contemporary paper.  The goal of each class is to give discussion leaders an in-depth understanding of a particular issue while, at the same time, providing all students a broader understanding of the history of environmental science.