Gonzaga University Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program in Alaska

Program Highlights

At-a-glance

• Course: ENVS 399 / ENGL 306 Sense of Place: Reading and Writing in Alaska (3 credits)
• Open to all students
• 9-day wilderness float through Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
• 3-day homestay in Native fishing village, assisting with sustainability project
• 3-credit cross-listed course ENVS/English
• A true learning adventure!

Program Dates:

• ONLINE COURSE WORK
  May 20 - July 6, 2013
• ALASKA SERVICE/STUDY
  July 7 - 21, 2013

Application Deadline:
February 15, 2013

Program Cost
Estimated $3,150*

For details of what's included in the estimated program cost, click here.

The Program

This interdisciplinary course invites students to learn about the complex relationships between Alaska residents (indigenous and otherwise) and the natural ecosystems of the last frontier. Through compelling literature, experiential learning, and writing activities, students will consider what "sense of place" can mean. They will do so in dramatic settings where people every day both shape and are shaped by a dynamic and fascinating environment.

Historical processes and literary narratives will help students gain a more nuanced understanding of Alaska and its peoples. In addition, a series of research-based writing assignments and journal entries before the trip-and a final reflective essay-will sharpen students' writing. A service learning component of the course will address sustainability for Alaska's native peoples, especially the challenges they face regarding rising fuel costs/renewable energy needs, sustainable fisheries, and climate change.

• Course combines academic and experiential learning activities focused on Alaska and its peoples.
• Students learn about the Alaskan wilderness, in part by exploring Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
• During the Alaskan portion: July 7-21 we will be exploring, learning, and living together 24/7. Classes will typically meet in afternoons and evenings. Pre-departure readings and writings will be facilitated through Blackboard website.
• We will be camping or housed in homestays while in Alaska.
• Options exist for self-directed projects.
• Service learning activities included.

Course Goals:

• Experience ecosystems of Alaska and the human communities depending upon them.
• Improve reading, writing, and speaking skills.
• Experience and reflect upon place-based literature drawn from several genres.
• Reflect upon the relationship between wilderness and human civilization.
• Explore the wilderness and one's own place within it and within human society.
• Serve others by assisting Native communities to build a sustainable future.
• Appreciate the wonder of the last frontier.

Faculty Leaders

Greg Gordon, Ph.D., Lecturer in Environmental Studies, has been leading university field studies programs for 20 years, taking students to such diverse places as the Canadian Rockies, Yellowstone, Southern Utah, Central America, and Patagonia. He previously worked as a Park Ranger in Alaska. Dr. Gordon has authored two books of nature writing and several articles on wilderness education.

John Eliason, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English, teaches a variety of writing courses at Gonzaga and directs the Composition Program and the University Writing Center. His passion for the outdoors has led him to jobs as a river guide, trail crew foreman, and ski instructor. Dr. Eliason has worked with students in the U.S., Germany, and South Africa.

Program Requirements

• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• Two letters of academic recommendation
• Student Life clearance online form
• Completion of ENGL 100-level core requirements

Program Cost

ESTIMATED PROGRAM COST*: $3,150* (3 credits)
Cost includes: GU tuition for 3 credits, all food, transportation, and housing while in Alaska. Includes all permit fees, guide services, and excursions. Does not include books, spending money or airfare to/from Anchorage.

DEPOSIT
Within two weeks of the date of acceptance, students are required to reserve their place on the program with a $500 deposit that is applied to the cost of the program.

Application Procedure

When to Apply
APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 15, 2013
Operation of this program is subject to administrative approval and is dependent upon meeting the minimum enrollment.

Application

1. Application form (type directly into pdf and then print completed application)
2. $50 non-refundable study abroad application fee payable via Study Abroad CASHNet
3. Two (2) Academic Recommendations
   
4. Student Life clearance online form
5. Return application to the Study Abroad office either in person (323 E Boone Ave) or by campus mail to AD Box 85.

Passport

Be sure that your passport is valid for six months after the end of the study abroad program.