Interim courses (2012-2013)
GEOL W40 Hawaii: Volcanoes in the Sea.
Instructors: G. Van Kooten, J. Van Horn
This course explores the natural and cultural history of Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, and briefly 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 will view ongoing eruptions, if possible, 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. This course may fulfill an elective in the Geology, Geography, Environmental Geology and Environmental Studies majors and minors. Course dates: January 3 - 23. Fee: $3400. Off campus.
GEOL 112 Earth Science for Educators: Montana
Instructors: K. Bergwerff
(MAY) (4 semester hours). This course is designed for students in the education program. Students use earth science concepts in an inquiry-based approach to build a knowledge base that is appropriate to the school classroom. The course covers topics in earth sciences that are required as teaching objectives in National Science Education Standards and in the Benchmarks for Science Literacy. These include activities studying astronomy, plate tectonics, erosion and weathering, volcanology, meteorology, and how humans interact with earth systems. A perspective of respect for God's creation and Christian stewardship of the creation is presented as the purpose for investigating and learning to understand the concepts presented in earth science. Field trips will include Butte, Yellowstone National Park, and Craters of the Moon National Monument. Evaluation is based on graded lab/field work exercises, quizzes, journals and a final exam. This course may fulfill an elective in the Integrated Science major or minor. NOTE: This 2-week Interim course begins immediately after spring commencement. Course dates: May 20 - June 3. Fee: $1250. Off campus.
GEOL 153 Big Sky Geology: Montana
Instructors: G. Van Kooten
(MAY) (4 credit hours). This May Interim course in Physical Geology is based in SW Montana, a location with a wide variety of superb geologic exposures and landscapes. This course fulfills the Physical World core and emphasizes outdoor, field-based investigation and learning. Students will be introduced to the breadth of geological study leading to responsible Christian appreciation and stewardship of the Earth. Topics include rocks and minerals, volcanoes, weathering, rivers and streams, geologic time, plate tectonics, natural resources and geological hazards. Field activities are an important part of the course, with afternoon field work complementing morning lecture and lab activities. Included among the many visited localities are Butte, Yellowstone National Park and Craters of the Moon National Monument. As a graded course, quizzes and exams will cover lecture, lab and text. Students will be required to complete lab assignments, make an identified rock and mineral collection, and maintain a written field log. NOTE: This 2-week Interim in May course begins immediately after spring commencement. Course dates: May 20 - June 4. Fee: $1250. Off campus.
See more information about the Big Sky Geology interim course.
GEOG W40 GIS & Urban Environments
Instructors: Y. Habtemariam
The urban system is explored using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The focus of the course is on the global overview of urbanization and contemporary challenges associated with urbanization. The theoretical part of the course is supported by practical analysis of urban space and processes. There is a lecture and lab component and no prerequisite course is required. However, Geog 261, Geographic Information Systems and Cartography, is recommended. Intermediate computer skills are necessary. The lab sections include the following themes: GIS Introduction, population dynamics, urban expansion, squatter settlements and urban planning, neighborhood demographic changes, site location placement, Geoprocessing, location theory and quotients, urban sprawl, air pollution and water resource demands. Students will master knowledge in urban geography concepts in a computer environment and will gain knowledge and skills in GIS applications of urban systems, which will be evaluated by the completion of lab exercises and a final examination. This course may fulfill an elective in the Geography major and Urban Studies minor. 8:30a.m. to noon.
IDIS W46 Dutch Landscapes
Instructors: H. Aay, R. Hoeksema
Course dates: January 2 - 26. Fee: $3320. Off campus.
