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Hi,
We're hoping to welcome UT students to our 8-week summer field semester in Southeastern Alaska. This course is for undergraduates and first-year grad students interested in examining the ecological and human dimensions of the Pacific Coastal Ecoregion, the biggest intact temperate rainforest in the world. Our summer session covers up to 16 semester credits or 24 quarter credits, and combines coursework and field research with adventure travel by sea kayak.
If you don't mind, would you please share information about us with your Alliance of Geographers and Sustainers? The deadline to apply is March 1st and is filling up fast! More detail about this year's session is below and information about scholarships is on our website. I'm glad to send other info or in different formats if that's easier.
Thank you so much!
Warmly,
Bobbi
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Bobbi Rooney
Student Program Manager
(262)-498-7189
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Explore wild Alaska, earn credit toward your degree, and have the adventure you’re ready for. In 2022, we’re thrilled to offer one 8-week Summer Semester. This course is a great fit for undergraduates interested in exploring everything from biology to art to politics. Dig into the details below, and check out on instagram for photos and videos from the field.
8 weeks: June 20 – August 14, 2022
Tatoosh Summer Semester
Session outline
This 8-week session covers a full semester’s course work. We will explore from the Outer Coast to the Inside Passage, and study interactions at varying scales and across biological, social, biophysical, and cultural boundaries. Four academic courses are taken concurrently (see the descriptions, just below). You’ll receive some pre-reading in April to complete before arriving in Alaska. All undergraduate and first-year graduate students are encouraged to apply and no prerequisites are required.
Over our 8 weeks together, we’ll embark on four 7-10 day backcountry sea kayak expeditions, plus three shorter remote trips. Our base camp in Coffman Cove will be our resupply, resting place and community anchor. You’ll travel into and out of Wrangell, Alaska by jet, and we’ll also use water taxis to move between islands. Email, call or text Erin ([log in to unmask], 907-406-9075) if you’re thinking about applying and have questions about the specifics of travel or logistics; a detailed itinerary will be provided upon enrollment.
Full Course descriptions
Community Ecology (4 semester or 6 quarter units, 410/510) uses a systems approach to examine the biology of the Pacific Coastal Ecoregion. The course develops a foundational understanding of the geomorphology, ecology and natural history of southern southeast Alaska. Students gain familiarity with nearshore, estuarine, forest and river environments.
Case Studies for Change (4 semester or 6 quarter units, 410/510) employs case studies to unpack tools for responding to ecological change. Topics include nearshore aquatic habitat, island biogeography, stream ecology and restoration, fisheries, wildlife ecology and management, forest succession and water quality. Examples of case studies are at-risk Alexander Archipelago wolves; karst-forest-fish systems; shifting salmon species composition; and freshwater habitat restoration. Students will talk with case experts and see resilience first-hand.
Public Land Management for the 21st Century (4 semester or 6 quarter units, 410/510) looks into the future of public land management through examples, experiences and conversations with key leaders on the Tongass National Forest. At 16.8 million acres, the Tongass is America’s biggest national forest by far, and its ownership and management are a policy learning laboratory for public lands and natural resource conservation across the United States. Students will analyze challenges and opportunities on the Tongass to animate transformational social, political and economic approaches to public land management.
Political Ecology of Prince of Wales Island (4 semester or 6 quarter units, 410/510) studies the relationship between society and environment on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska. The course examines how processes of environmental conservation, restoration, development and conflicts over natural resource use and control have shaped the biophysical, cultural, social and economic landscape. Through readings, discussion and community-engaged learning students will explore concepts and lived experience of Indigenous rights, property relations, community well-being, history and the particularities of place. The course is predicated on the assumption that while environmental problems are often common, their causes are complex and changing. Therefore, many solutions are specific to time and place. Here, we choose Prince of Wales Island and dig in.
Learn more at tatooshschool.org and apply by March 1 at tatooshschool.org/apply
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