IDIS W13

Dutch Landscape: Society, Technology, and Environment

Course description:

Few countries exist where human activities have exerted a greater influence in the shaping of the landscape than the Netherlands. This course will study the richly varied and historically layered cultural landscapes of the Netherlands. Special focus will be given to land reclamation and environmental preservation technologies. The course format consists primarily of daily excursions. On these excursions students will experience centuries old agricultural and town landscapes of Friesland and Groningen, 17th century polder landscapes of North Holland, the modern IJselmeer Polders, the intensive horticultural landscape of the Wesland district, new towns, and the industrial landscape of Europort - the world's largest harbor.

Students will see dwelling mounds over a thousand years old, windmills used to drain lakes over 300 years old, modern pumping facilities used to keep newly reclaimed land dry, modern windmills used to generate electricity and modern water treatment facilities. On the Delta plan excursion we will see some of the most advanced truly impressive engineering works ever built to protect the environment of the low lands from storms. Three open weekends (each three days long) allow personal travel to places of interest in Netherlands or elsewhere in Europe. This course if approved for CCE credit.

The dates for this course are January 2-27.

Prerequisites:

Permission of the instructors. Knowledge of the Dutch language is not required. This course application requires one recommendation.

Cost:

Approximately $2,560, which includes all group transportation, lodging, and food expenses.  Everyone will be given a daily food stipend and will be responsible for preparing their own meals. The cost of any personal travel on open weekends, is the students' responsibility.

Contact:

For further information, contact H. Aay (526-7033) in the Geology, Geography, and Environmental Science Department or R. Hoeksema (526-6167) in the Engineering Department or visit the course web page.

For course applications, go to Student Resources.