Nature and Literature in Ecuador: Galápagos, Amazon, and Andes
Course Description:
You're snorkeling with sea lions in a turquoise bay of the Galápagos Islands. The agile animals swim right up to your mask and look in your eyes, taking your breath away. It's just one of the many experiences you'll have in this unforgettable trip to the Galápagos Islands, exploring first hand Charles Darwin's living laboratory of evolution. Animals like the unique marine iguanas and the lovely Galápagos penguins are so tame, they let you walk right up to them. In the Amazon River basin, huge scarlet macaws streak through the rainforest canopy like living flames. A native shaman teaches you about the indigenous botany of the forest, the native cures. These and other experiences in Ecuador's world-famous tropical areas will etch themselves into your imagination, as you learn about conservation and natural history for the course. Your experiences on the trip may change how you view yourself and your place in the world. Expert guides and the professor will help you interpret your experiences, as will the great nature literature we'll read about South America. The professor is a professional photographer as well, and students interested in photography will have world-class photographic opportunities. You'll have to pinch yourself every time you remember you're earning college credit.
Course Objectives:
- Improve abilities to read and analyze nonfiction narratives and poetry.
- Improve abilities to write research papers, journals, and short formal prose.
- Identify and analyze central environmental issues in Ecuador (e.g.: oil development and public health, globalization, endangered animals, deforestation, ocean and fisheries depletion, etc.).
- Personal growth through reflection on relationship of reading and place, nature and vocation.
Course Credit:
ENGL
234: (4 credits) Environmental Literature. Satisfies GUR in Literature
or Environmental Studies Credit under "Environment and Sensibility."
Art credit possible.
Program Fee:
$5,975. Includes all instructional and administrative fees, airfare, lodging, entrance fees and exit taxes, and some meals. Does not include recommended immunizations. Meals on campus are not included. See PLU Health Services' website for recommendations and costs.
Application Deadline:
April 18, 2008. A non-refundable deposit of $50 is required with the application. A $250 non-refundable program payment to confirm participation is due within 10 days of notification of acceptance in the course. Maximum of 15 students.
Faculty Leader:
Dr. Charles Bergman, Professor of English
253-535-7490 or bergmaca@plu.edu