Graduate Course in Earth Literacy offered at St. Thomas University
EDU 545–
Exploring the Web of Life:
Connecting Biological
and Cultural Diversity ~
Field Studies in Costa Rica
Immersion
Dates: July 6 - 13, 2007
Study Site: Costa Rica
Class size: 18 Maximum
FACILITATED BY:
Professor Chris Migliaccio, Professor of Ecology & Environmental
Science, MDC/Wolfson,
Dr. Greg Zuschlag,
Professor of Religious Studies, St. Thomas University's Healing the
Earth Center
Roman Odio, Naturalist, Costa Rica
COURSE
DESCRIPTION:
This
course explores the interrelatedness of biodiversity, cultural
plurality, and spirituality within a specific bioregion and how
diverse cultural narratives and regional biota influence each other
and contribute to the evolution, values, socioeconomic and cultural
life of the various species and peoples of a region. Emphasizing
field observation and studies, participants will analyze their
ecological and economic impact on the region as well as compare and
contrast their home bioregion's ecology, conservation efforts,
culture and spirit with that of the study sites.
In this exciting nine day, 3-credit
graduate course (part of the St. Thomas University / Miami Dade
College Earth Ethics Institute collaborative program in Earth
Literacy), you will explore the connections between culture,
ecology, geography, cosmology and diversity in Costa Rica - a nation
world-renowned for its tremendous diversity and a world model for
its extensive conservation efforts.
Course includes classroom learning and hands-on activities in an
outdoor setting, field observation and studies in two unique
ecosystems - the tropical cloud forest and the tropical dry forest,
a good balance of group and individual activities, time for
collaboration and time for reflection, comfortable,
environmentally-friendly accommodations and traveling companions
that share their love for learning with their love for the natural
world and its conservation, two classroom sessions prior to
departure, Web research, personalized work with the Instructors and
a Master Naturalist from Costa Rica to complete daily field
observations, personal journaling, cooperative learning activities,
and a final curriculum project.
WHERE:
Costa Rica - with visits to the mountain cloud forest, the tropical dry
forest, active volcanoes, dramatic waterfalls, high tech & low
impact alternative energy projects, coffee, clothing, pottery and
food cooperatives; lots of Costa Rican culture and much more.
WHOM:
faculty, staff and administrators of St. Thomas University and Miami
Dade College, graduate students, and teachers from all grade levels
in public, private and parochial schools of South Florida. While
this course is designed for educators, family members (18 yrs and
older) are welcome to participate on a space-available basis as long
as at least one member is registered for the course. Course
participants should be in good physical health and be able to walk
for up to 4 hours each day on irregular ground. This is not an
"expedition", however and there will be ample time for leisure
activity in the communities and grounds around the lodges.
All must be able to exit and reenter the United States with valid
immigration documents. US passports must be valid through January
31, 2007.
Group size limited to 16 students.
COST:
Land costs: $1,450
per person for the land cost in Costa Rica; includes all lodging in
double or triple rooms, 3 meals daily except on Miami departure and
final San Jose days, all Park & Reserve group admissions, ground
transportation in our own bus; guiding and tips to guide and driver;
does not include 2 days of optional activities or personal expenses.
Airfare: ~?
per person roundtrip, non-stop airfare Miami-San Jose; students are
responsible for making their own flight arrangements. Classs
begins Friday July 6; we suggest arriving the day before San Jose,
CR on July 5th
St. Thomas
University tuition by special arrangement:
$680 course fee for MDC faculty (entirely reimbursable by MDC), staff & administrators ; $1,040 for all other
teachers;
Textbooks:
(~$40).
Visit the course
website at http://faculty.mdc.edu/cmigliac/IPM545CRHome.html
for full details and then contact Chris Migliaccio at
chris.migliaccio@mdc.edu if you
have any questions.
