Course Information - Itinerary - Details

Objectives
The ultimate goal of the program is to train students who are not necessarily science or anthropology majors, to become environmentally and historically conscious citizens equipped to deal with the complex nature of human-land use history and environmental issues in the 21st century. The course will be taught using a critical thinking and problem-solving pedagogy while exposing students to three major areas of field based investigations.

The students learn environmental citizenship as they concomitantly contribute to sustaining the increasingly threatened reefs, coastal wetlands and tropical forests of Yucatan. The development and teaching of environmental citizenship are accomplished through the application of basic environmental research.

The students field-based research is integrated with established, on-going research projects and programs. Much of the research conducted will be done on sparsely studied or unstudied portions of the Yucatan ecosystem. Results of the research in its various forms are vital to understanding how to preserve and protect the ancient and modern remnants of Mayan culture, as well as, the natural floral and faunal framework within which the Mayans have survived and flourished for centuries.

Testing and Evaluation
Student evaluation will be comprised of four components, fieldwork (complete with journal entries), quiz grades, reflective essays, and a final exam. As detailed below field work and reflective essays are weighted the most heavily. The assessment of the student's field performance will be based on observations made by all of the instructors. At the conclusion of each segment of the course each professor will administer a quiz and assign a reflective essay that they will evaluate. There is also be a final essay exam given at the conclusion of the course that will be graded by all instructors. The breakdown of the components is as follows.

Field Evaluation: 35%
Quizzes: 15%
Reflective essays: 35%
Final exam: 15%

Grades will be based on the following scale
92-100 = A
89-92 = A-
86-89 = B+
83-86 = B
79-83 = B-
76-79 = C+
73-76 = C
69-73 = C-
60-69 = D
Below 60 = F

Liberal Arts Abilities

Because this course is part of the core, a number of essential skills and abilities will be emphasized.

Written and Oral Communication: There will be several opportunities for students to express themselves throughout the course. Three, 3-4 page reflective essays will be assigned at the conclusion of each major section of the course. Each student is also required to keep a daily journal. The field-based research will be analytical which will require a different style of writing. Informal discussions in the field and inevitable interaction with local residents will aid in developing oral communication skills.

Quantitative Thinking: Anthropogenic interaction and impact on nature is the focus of the science component of this course. Evaluation of impact involves the acquisition, reduction, and interpretation of data. Students will be required to collect and evaluate numerical data daily as part of this course.

Historical Consciousness: A goal of this course is to examine the way in which humans have interacted with the ecosystem in the Yucatan Peninsula from the prehistoric past through the contemporary period. The study of this ecosystem provides the opportunity to focus on a number of important environmental issues. Current issues relate to the controls and impact of natural systems on the rise and eventual collapse of the Classic Maya civilization, the evolution of a colonial system of environmental exploitation, and the impact of modern commercial development on shorelines and shallow marine environments.

Global and Multi-Cultural Awareness: Environmental science is global awareness, no country stands alone. Culture plays a significant role in dictating behavior that controls many societies attitude toward the Earth and our role on Earth. Living, working, and interacting with locals will give the student an opportunity to understand the values, hardships, dreams, and reality of life in a culture very different from their own.

Valuing and Decision Making: Themes covered require students to evaluate the benefits to society or self versus the impact on our environment. Risk assessment and ethical considerations made daily have lasting and often dangerous consequences. What is the value of tourism over the environment?

Expectations
The highest expectation for students participating in this course will be one of respect. We are guests and are expected to behave with respect for all people, property, and the environment. Disrespectful or unruly conduct will not be tolerated and may result in immediate termination of the student's participation in the course.