Please share with interested undergraduates and non-traditional students EXCITING ACADEMIC CLASSES taught in the BACKCOUNTRY!
Take a college class outside with the WILD ROCKIES FIELD INSTITUTE (WRFI). WRFI offers field-based, academic courses for 300-level credit in departments such as Environmental Studies, Anthropology, Forestry, Geography, Science, and Native American Studies. These courses are taught entirely outside and in the backcountry in places like Montana, Utah, Alaska, Canada and Mexico. Students camp throughout the course and backpack or kayak between study sites. Credit is offered through the University of Montana and is transferable to other universities. Upcoming WRFI field courses below. Cycle Montana: Energy Alternatives for a New Century: May 27-June 18, 2007. Explore the present and future of energy production on a bike tour through Montana. We will discuss climate change and visit sites using coal, oil, solar, wind, biomass, and hydroelectricity while we ride through Big Sky country and Glacier National Park. (3 semester credits in Environmental Studies) Restoration Ecology in Greater Yellowstone: June 20-July 7, 2007. Backpack the famous wildlands of the Yellowstone Ecosystem and participate in restoration projects in this vital wildlife habitat. This is a rare opportunity to study the science and philosophy of restoration ecology in a place that still supports its major native species. (3 semester credits in Forestry) Yellowstone to Yukon: Conservation & Community in the Wild Rockies: July 10- August 12, 2007. Backpack some of the best wildlands of Montana and the Canadian Rockies. Study conservation biology and community-based conservation to better understand large-scale, transboundary plans for regional sustainability. (6 semester credits in Forestry; or 3 in Forestry + 3 in Environmental Studies) The Alaskan Rainforest: Ecology & Policy of the Tongass: July 14-August 16, 2007. Ever dream of going to Alaska? Sea kayak the magical waters of the Inside Passage among temperate rain forest and tidewater glaciers. Explore issues that affect local residentsfrom loggers, fishermen, and land managers to salmon, trees, and bears. (3 semester credits in Forestry + 3 credits in Environmental Studies) Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Action: August 15-23, 2007. Explore core American Indian perspectives through readings, field exercises, and discussions with tribal elders on the Flathead Reservation in Northwest Montana. Learn traditional methods for sustainable living and investigate traditional connections with the environment while backpacking in the Mission Mountain Tribal Wilderness. A combined backpacking trip and reservation stay. (2 semester credits in Native American Studies) Montana Afoot and Afloat: Human/Land Relations: Nine-week course. September 1-October 30, 2007. Be a member of an expedition this fall! Kayak the Wild and Scenic Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers. Backpack in the seldom-visited island ranges of Montanas Rockies. Learn firsthand about human cultures and their interactions with this rugged landscape as you develop your own sense of place and personal land ethic. (12 semester credits) For a full listing of summer, fall, winter and spring courses, and to print an application, go to: www.wrfi.net To contact the Wild Rockies Field Institute in Missoula, MT: (406) 549-4336 or: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
