2009 May Term Study Experiences

BIOL*300EE/CHEM*300F/ESS*300D/HON*300NN/ENVI*300N
Natural Sciences of Hawaii

Travel to Hawaii
Estimated Trip Cost: $2,900
Travel Dates: May 13 - 21
Instructors: Judy Rogers, Robyn Hyde, David Goldsmith

This course will take a multidisciplinary approach to studying the island of Hawaii. Hawaii is one of the newest landmasses on Earth, and therefore can provide scientists with insights into how islands form and become inhabited. Students will also explore how the island is affected through time as its resources are exploited and as erosion takes its toll. The class will meet 3-4 times on campus in addition to the travel. 

ECON*412HB
European Economy: Germany

Travel to Germany, Copenhagen
Estimated Trip Cost: $4,400
Travel Dates: May 6 - 19
Instructors: John Watkins, Dick Chapman

This course examines the European economy, focusing on Germany. We will discuss a brief historical backdrop, including the following topics: feudalism; the decline of feudalism and the emergence of capitalism; Britain versus Germany; an economic interpretation of World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II; and the Marshall Plan. We will cover the evolution of exchange rates, including the gold standard, the Bretton Woods System, and floating exchange rates. And finally, we will cover aspects of the European economy, including the common market, the Euro, and reunification with the East. Meets on-campus May 4, 25, 27.

ECON*412VB/MKTG*412VB
Leveraging Olympic Exposure

Travel to China
Estimated Trip Cost: $3,575
Travel Dates: May 4 - 18
Instructors: Chris Tong, Brian Jorgensen

By hosting the 2008 Summer Olympics, China gained an enormous boost in world attention. The Olympics themselves were a marvel of technology, planning, and architecture. Still, while the games introduced millions to the phenomenal advances made by China over the past several years, it also exposed some of the country's challenges and weaknesses. This May Term Study Experience is designed to examine the importance of China as an economic trading partner of the U.S. and as an emerging world power. Through social and cultural interactions, business/government visits, and firsthand experience, students will develop an appreciation for this complex and fascinating country. Three class sessions prior to departure will examine China's growth and development over the past few years and what we might expect in the post-Olympic era. We will also address the history and culture of the geographic locations to be visited and the mechanics of the trip. A fourth class session will be held after returning from the trip to summarize the trip experiences and for students to submit final written and oral reports. Students in this class will visit Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Hong Kong. Meets on-campus from 3:00 - 5:00 pm on Jan. 16, Mar. 20 and May 1; from 12:00 - 2:00 pm on May 29.

ENVI*300J/HPW*300G
Africa: Kilimanjaro & Service

Travel to Tanzania
Estimated Trip Cost: $4,855
Estimated Travel Dates: May 11 - 26
Instructors: Liz Rogers, Kerry Case

On this May Term Trip, students will climb the highest peak in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and learn advanced mountaineering and leadership skills. They will develop an understanding of the environment and culture of the area both through their wilderness experience and a social service project following the trek. This trip will be guided by Alaska Mountain Guides International, Inc. and include curriculum from the International Wilderness Leadership School, both of which are highly regarded and accredited in the field of experiential education. They are located in Alta, Utah during the winter and will help facilitate pre-trip meetings and preparation for the climb. Meets on campus three times prior to travel, dates TBA.

INTR*300F/EDUC*300CC
Comparative International Education Systems

Travel to Spain, Italy and Greece
Estimated Trip Cost: $4,750
Estimated Travel Dates: May 9 - 25
Instructors: Ginny-Beth Joiner, David Stokes

This course is a seminar-style, multi-site course taught partially on campus at Westminster College and partially in Spain (Barcelona, Madrid), Italy (Rome, Pompeii) and Greece (Athens, Cyclades islands).Through this course, students will strive to understand the funds of knowledge that can be brought to the American education system by international students and faculty. While abroad, we will be using the country’s resources, institutions, and history to explore the cultural, international, and historical issues relevant to education. We will use stories from classical literature, essays, current events related to education, and on-site visits to historical and educational sites and resources.

NURS*300F/EDUC*300E
Hopi and Navajo Cultures: Education and Health Issues

Travel to northern Arizona and southern Utah
Estimated Trip Cost: $775 + $200 additional for meals/spending money
Travel Dates: May 9 - 17
Instructors: Marsha Morton, Janet Dynak, Carolyn Jenkins

This course introduces students to Hopi and Navajo peoples. It includes social, educational, environmental, political, economic, artistic, health and caring aspects of their cultures. Special emphasis will be placed on the practical aspects of health care in local outpatient clinics and teaching in the clinics and schools. Students from othe majors are welcome with the consent of the instructor. Class will be held on campus four days and then there will be a nine-day field trip designed for students to explore health beliefs, educational practices, and ecosystems on Hopi and Navajo reservations in northern Arizona and southern Utah. Students will visit Indian Health Services and private health care facilities, schools on reservations, Hopi and possibly Navajo families, museums, and possibly National Park sites. A humanitarian project will be undertaken to assist students with much-needed school supplies. Students will participate in guided field and river trips. Students will also spend one day visiting related sites in Salt Lake City after the nine-day field experience. Students with disabilities needing accommodations should contact instructors by January 15, 2009. Insufficient enrollment or national or international situations may cause cancellation of this study experience. If cancelled, students can either sign up for another study experience or the student's money will be refunded. Meets on-campus from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm on May 4, 6, 27. Field trip to Indian Walk-In Center and State Board of Education on May 20, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.

NURS*300V/EDUC*300DD
Service Learning in Thailand

Travel to Mae Sot and Khon Kaen, Thailand
Estimated Trip Cost: $4,090
Travel Dates: May 2 - 24
Instructors: Han Kim

The focus of this course will be understanding the educational, health and developmental needs of rural Thai citizens as well as indigenous populations through cultural immersion and active participation in service projects designed to provide benefits to the local peoples. Students will participate in service projects in two distinct rural Thai villages, one near the Burmese border in Mae Sot, Thailand, and one in the rural Northeast near Khon Kaen, Thailand, that will help alleviate some of the health, educational and developmental issues present while staying with local families within the villages. Other activities will include tours of historically significant sites in Thailand as well as spending a day with Burmese refugee children at a refugee school and visiting an HIV/AIDS hospice. Students will be expected to attend four preparatory sessions during Spring Semester that will prepare them for the experience. Course assignments will include reflective journaling, active discussions during the trip, and a reflective multimedia project at the end of the trip.