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New Zealand Semester in Environmental Studies
Program Description and Courses
Program Locations
At the beginning of the program, students will spend time on the north island at the Quaker Settlement- a wonderful, environmentally conscious retreat center located in the town of Wanganui on the coast of the Tasman Sea. >From here, students will immerse themselves in the cultural history of New Zealand with a particular emphasis on Maori history and language. Several excursions are planned including a guided canoe trip through Wanaganui National Park- a site of great historical significance to the Maori as well as the scene of cultural conflict. From Wanganui, we will travel down to the South Island taking time to stop in the capital city of Wellington to learn more about New Zealand's political system as well as visit the world renowned Te Papa National Museum. The remainder of the program will be based in the south island city of Christchurch, taking advantage of the resources of the University of Canterbury as well as the remarkable surrounding natural environments. Students will stay with host-families during their time in Christchurch while also participating on experiential excursions to gain a deeper appreciation of New Zealand's biodiversity and culture. Planned excursions include visits to Maori communities (marae's), an extended farm-stay, and outdoor trips to several of the country's renowned national parks and wild areas.
Eligibility
Undergraduates in good standing with the college may apply. This program is geared toward students with an interest in environmental studies and environmental sciences. Majors from all disciplines are welcome. There are no pre-requisites but Eco-Bio or a similar introductory environmental course is strongly suggested.
Courses
Students receive 16 semester hours of credit for completing the following courses: Environmental Issues of New Zealand, Faculty Seminar, Cultures of New Zealand, and the Field Study Seminar. The general focus of each course is described below.
- Environmental Issues of New Zealand (4 credits) This course provides an overview to the unique landscapes and environmental challenges of this island country. Topics may vary from year to year but typically include island biogeography, natural history, conservation and restoration ecology, environmental policy and legislation, and sustainable development. Emphasis will be placed on species, habitat, and community identification, geologic processes, and the impact of human settlement on New Zealand's ecosystems. This course will be taught by an adjunct-instructor from a local university. A previous course in Biology or Geology is recommended. Proposed Natural Science w/ lab Gen. Ed.
- Faculty Seminar (4 credits) Each year, the principle faculty member leading the semester will select a topic of interest to be taught in a seminar format on the program. Topics will vary based upon the expertise and disciplinary focus of the lead instructor. The most current faculty seminar topic is listed below.
Environment, Culture, and Curriculum
This course will explore the variety of ways environmental issues are variously constructed and contested within both formal curriculum (schooling) and informal curriculum (culture). We will examine the purposes of schooling in light of environmental challenges and changes and explore a variety of models for environmental education including adventure-based, eco-progressive, eco-justice, and place-based traditions, positioning each in historical and cultural context. This course will be taught by Jay Roberts.
- Cultures of New Zealand (4 credits) This course will examine Maori-Pakeha (non-Maori) relations in both the historic and modern context. Topics may vary from year to year but will typically focus on issues of colonialism and colonization, bi-culturalism, treaty rights, self-determination, indigenous knowledge systems, and identity (assimilation and accculturation). Homestays in Christchurch, on Maori Marae's, and a rural farm-stay will give experiential grounding to cultural dynamics and enrich interaction and learning. This course will be taught by a combination of visiting scholars and program faculty. Proposed Diversity-International Gen Ed.
- Field Study Seminar (4 credits) This course will serve as a form of curriculum integration, connecting both individual and group learning through experiential education. Students will be placed at a service site with a non-profit agency, organization, or school in Christchurch approximately six hours per week to provide additional opportunities for cultural immersion and learning. In addition, several "learning expeditions" are planned in New Zealand's parks and reserves to both give students a deeper sense of place and also develop interpersonal and leadership skills necessary to be an agent of social change. Weekly reflection meetings will be held to connect these experiences to the larger themes of the program. This course will be facilitated by program faculty. Proposed Wellness Gen. Ed. (1 credit).
Contact Us:
Wilderness Programs801 National Road West, Drawer 87
Richmond, IN 47374
phone:(765) 983-1327; fax: (765) 983-1207
Wilderness@earlham.edu