PREREQUISITS
Completion of all Level I requirements and 15 hours of Level II requirements including a course from the Natural Sciences area and a course from either the Social Institutions or Self and Society areas.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Using a combination of an 8-day trip to the Bahamas and classroom experiences at Avila before the trip, this interdisciplinary course will examine the cultural and natural history of the Bahamas using a theme of invasions: invasions by people of various heritages and motivations and invasions by non-native flora and fauna. While on the islands, students will engage in both biological and social research experiences. Students in this course will study the biology and geology of both the island and the surrounding coral sea environment. In addition, students will examine the Bahamas past, present, and future, with an emphasis on the cultural diversity of its residents.
OBJECTIVES
To develop an understanding and appreciation of the various perspectives used in the study of the cultural and natural history of the Bahamas, and to apply and practice these perspectives with a cultural and natural invasions theme;
To demonstrate comprehension of the fundamental principles necessary for understanding and analyzing the terrestrial and marine environments of the Bahamas, applying them to a current research issue; and
To demonstrate comprehension of the fundamental principles necessary for understanding and analyzing the cultural and social features of the Bahamas, applying them to a current research issue.
SCHEDULE OF TOPICS
Prior to the field experience:
Introduction to the Multiple Perspectives in the Study of the
Bahamas: A Focus on Invasions
Natural Science Perspectives
Social and Behavioral Science Perspectives
Perspectives from the Humanities
Bahamian Invasions: Past, Present
and Future
During the field experience:
Exploration of a Terrestrial Habitat
Exploration of a Marine Habitat
Exploration of the Cultural and Social Environment
Research Projects
Report/Powerpoint Completion