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Rooted in the belief that one of the best ways to study the environment is to be out in it, the Environmental Studies program provides opportunities to study natural areas intensively by actually going to those areas for extended periods. These courses have been offered:
The Natural History of Mt. Mitchell and the Black Mountains
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Coastal Ecosystems
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Topics included the flora and fauna, geological history, ecology, and environmental issues of swamps, long leaf pine savannahs, pocosins, Carolina bays, salt marshes, maritime forests, and beaches of the South Carolina coast.
The Natural History of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Topics included old growth forests, elk reintroduction, biodiversity, flora and fauna of the Smokies, and the impact of exotic pests and air pollution.
The Environmental Perspectives and Cultural History of the Cherokees
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Topics included the medicinal use of plants, land use ethics, construction of housing using native materials, hunting tools and techniques, and the impact of casinos on the Cherokee culture. In addition to discussing these topics with Cherokee elders, students visited the Cherokee Historical Museum, the Oconaluftee Village, and the outdoor drama "Unto These Hills," which chronicles the story of the "Trail of Tears."
Malawi Watersheds
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The course centered on the abiotic and biotic features of the Malawi watershed region of Africa.
“I feel like I learned more about God’s character, His creativity. For example, there are over 2,000 species of fish that are endemic to Lake Malawi.”
Graham Ottley '04,
Outdoor Education Major
American Ecosystems
This summer course gives students extensive "hands-on" experience and knowledge of the Western United States. Students travel on a sleeper bus while studying the flora, fauna, geology, meteorology, climatology, soils, and environmental issues associated with many of the National Parks and Monuments. Students are able to experience the diversity afforded by the many altitude zones, life zones, biomes, and ecosystems encountered. The American Ecosystems itinerary has included:
Painted Desert
Petrified Forest
Grand Canyon
Bryce Canyon
Zion Canyon
Death Valley
Catalina Island
Sequoia
Yosemite
Redwoods
Crater Lake
Mt. St. Helens
Mt. Ranier
Olympic NP
Hoh Rain Forest
San Juan Islands
Glacier NP
Yellowstone
Grand Teton
Devil's Tower
Rocky Mountain NP
Black Hills
Badlands
Wind Cave NP
Other field study courses in development will focus on Chimney Rock |