New Zealand                                                        Hawaii

 

HWC 201  Integrated Science

The Earth: Scientific and Cultural Perspectives in the Pacific

Fall 2005 and January 2006

 

Instructors                   Dave Baker                              Mike Fairley

                                    Moody Science 109                 Ida Green 220

                                    x2244                                      x2285

                                    dbaker@austincollege.edu       mfairley@austincollege.edu

 

Dates and Location

Fall 2005: Eight Thursdays 7:00-9:00 PM, Moody Science 10

Janterm 2006: January 2 – January 23, New Zealand (15 days) and Hawaii (5 days)

 

Course Description

During the last quarter of the previous millennium, European settlers, equipped with advanced tools and Enlightenment ideas, swept across the oceans and introduced new ways of thinking about every facet of life.  One significant change involved new ways to study and understand nature.  These modern scientific methods were put into practice alongside, and often in contrast to, indigenous perspectives of the Earth.  This course will allow students to explore nature and its meanings in two places in the Pacific: New Zealand and Hawaii. 

 

Course Objectives

á       To examine indigenous and scientific views of the Earth, including historical influences, connections, and disparities

á       To understand scientifically the Earth as a complex, interconnected physical system

á       To explore natural surroundings in the Pacific, including geological, biological, and environmental aspects of New Zealand and Hawaii

á       To experience ancient and modern cultures of New Zealand and Hawaii through interactions with locals

á       To experience adventure team building in unique and challenging environments

 

Physical Demands

This course will place unique demands on participants.  The travel portion will require significant physical activity. Students will hike, raft, and sea-kayak considerable distances to observe pristine environments.  Accommodations will often be rustic.  A positive team-oriented attitude will be essential for a successful experience.

 

Costs

The estimated cost is $5435 paid to Austin College and about $415 out-of-pocket.

 

Steps to Register

1.        Schedule interview during Janterm Expo (April 26, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm).

2.        Interview (April 27-May 2).

3.        Obtain instructor signature on registration card by May 2 (if approved by instructor).

4.        Register on May 3-20, according to seniority.  We can talk about a waiting list later if necessary.

 

A preliminary itinerary for January is listed below.  Specific activities are subject to change due to availability, weather conditions, flight schedules, etc.

 

New Zealand

 

Jan 2                            Depart DFW.

Jan 4                            Arrive in Auckland: Explore culture in New ZealandŐs largest city.

Jan 5                            Waitomo Caves: Blackwater raft in an underground cave system with glowworms.

Jan 6                            Rotorua: Hike in an active geothermal region and explore the indigenous culture of the Maori.

Jan 7                            Wellington:  Explore Te Papa, the national museum of New Zealand.

Jan 8                            Nelson Lakes:  Hike in an ancient beech forest.

Jan 9                            Punakaiki: Hike in limestone canyons and lush rainforests, including Pancake Rock and the Blowholes.  Learn about the famous greenstone and its cultural importance.

Jan 10                           Okarito Lagoon: Sea-kayak in a pristine lagoon.  Explore the deserted beach or hike in the rainforest.  Observe the only white heron colony in New Zealand.  Listen for the elusive kiwi bird.

Jan 11                           Franz Josef Glacier: Walk on a moving sheet of ice (with crampons, of course).

Jan 12-13                      Queenstown: Explore the adventure capital of the world.  Interact with local inhabitants to obtain a modern view of New ZealandersŐ relationship with Earth.

Jan 14                           Routeburn Track: Hike one of the most famous hiking tracks in New Zealand.

Jan 15                           Milford Sound: Sea-kayak in the 8th wonder of the world among sea lions and dolphins.  The glacier-carved walls of this fiord plunge thousands of feet to the sea.

Jan 16                           Braemer Station: Explore a high country sheep farm and live in shearerŐs quarters.

Jan 17                           Mt. Cook: Hike to a glacier near the highest peak in New Zealand.

Jan 18                           Christchurch: Depart for Hawaii.

 

Hawaii

Jan 18                           Arrive in Hilo: Explore the modern culture of Hawaii.

Jan 19                           Keck Observatory: Observe the night sky at one of the premier observatories in the world.

Jan 20                           Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Hike on the newest land on Earth. Explore the famous Kilauea volcano with a seismologist. Experience the ancient goddess of Pele.

Jan 21                           Hilo to Kona: Hike in the numerous climate zones of Hawaii, viewing dramatic waterfalls and distinctive flora and fauna.  Eat a traditional Hawaiian dinner and experience Hawaiian culture.

Jan 22                           Kona: Snorkel in a pristine marine environment and observe the unique marine ecology of Hawaii.  Depart for DFW in the evening.

Jan 23                           Arrive in DFW.