"I feel that learning occurs more powerfully when we immerse ourselves in the actual context where the issues being discussed are taking place. I also feel that this is an exciting opportunity to visit our greatest National Park and surrounding public lands and to draw connections between an exceptional place and our home communities," said Associate Professor of Sociology Carl Riden when discussing the annual Yellowstone classes available during Summer Session I, from May 13 to May 21.
The Yellowstone trip is split into courses, covering either General Education Goals 6, 13 or 14. The courses are composed of pre-departure meetings (before spring final exams), readings, collaborative teamwork and online discussion participation (after spring semester finals and before departure for Yellowstone), a one-week trip to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) and continued work on course requirements in an online format during Summer Session I.
Several Longwood University faculty members conduct the courses. These include Dr. Carl Riden, Associate Professor of Geography Dr. Edward Kinman, Assistant Professor of English Dr. Heather Lettner-Rust, Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Alix Fink, Associate Professor of Mathematics Dr. Phillip Poplin and Instruction/Reference Services Librarian Ms. Elizabeth Kocevar-Weidinger of the Greenwood Library.
Places visited in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem include Grand Teton National Park and Elk Reserve; Old Faithful; Jackson Hole, Wyo; Jenny Lake, Wyo; and Gardiner, Mont. Wildlife guides from Gardiner will be assisting course members with Wildlife Watching that will take up most of the afternoon of May 16 and 17 and the morning of May 19.
Often thought of as interesting classes for all parties involved, the Yellowstone courses may be worth your interest and the spare change to get there. This consists of a $600 travel fee and a $540 plane ticket with some personal cost for dinners.
Please contact Dr. Carl Riden at ridencm@longwood.edu for more information.
