"Volcanoes in the Sea" explores the natural and cultural history of

• Hawaii
• Maui
• Kauai
• Oahu

the four major islands of the Hawaiian archipelago.  Hawaii contains the world's most active volcano at Kilauea caldera and Hawaii supports a fragile, tropical ecosystem.  The course focuses on the active and extinct volcanoes and other geologic features of the islands, but students also investigate Hawaii's marine (reef) environment, the diverse land ecology, and the human history of settlement and development of the islands.  Students hopefully view ongoing eruptions and hike over and study fresh lava flows and associated volcanic features.  Instruction will take place on daily field trips to sites of geological, oceanographic, ecological, and cultural significance.  Daily activities include light  to occasionally moderate  to optional strenuous hiking, and occasional snorkeling.  Each student is responsible for reading the assigned text, each student discusses an aspect of the Hawaiian Islands or culture in an on-site class presentation, and each student maintains a daily journal.