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).

FOR MORE INFORMATION INCLUDING LIVE, MULTIMEDIA PRESENTATION DATES/TIMES/LOCATIONS

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.

q       contact Professor Chris Migliaccio, Miami Dade College / Wolfson Campus; 305-237-3269; chris.migliaccio@mdc.edu