Proposed Course for January 2011

The Facts

Minimum enrollment: 18

Instructor: Joel Carlin

Dates: 25 days in January 2011 (dates to be announced)

Fee based on Minimum Enrollment: approximately $5,750

Additional costs not covered by course fee: approximately $500. (books, passport, immunizations, extra meals, etc.)


Course description

Students will learn the processes and observe the effects of organic and cultural evolution. We will explore biodiversity, conservation ecology and island biogeography by learning to observe and evaluate the geography, geology, flora, and fauna of four ecosystems: the Galapagos Islands, the dry coastal scrub, cloud forest and tropical rainforest. We also examine the cultural responses of indigenous peoples in formerly isolated subsistence economies to global influences of ecotourism, urbanization and the petroleum industry. Daily field notes, essays, and a final synthesis paper are due upon return from Ecuador. Some moderate exercise (extensive hiking, snorkeling) in difficult terrain will be encountered.



How is the course set up?

The theme of Bio 146 is that of a transect. A transect is a method used by ecologists and others to rapidly assess the diversity of an area. For instance, one could draw a straight line across a map of a forest. By walking that line you are assured of seeing a good portion of the plants and animals that live there. Students will run their own transects using rope and try to estimate biodiversity at several locations. However, the entire class is a transect. We will visit four spots in an attempt to quickly appreciate the diversity of Ecuador. The four locations differ in rainfall and elevation. But they also differ in the cultural heritage and attitudes of their peoples. Students will conduct a month-long transect experiencing ancient volcanoes, indigenous people with recently acquired wealth, forests flooded by rain and fishing villages dried up by economic and political strife.

Students will be responsible for learning a LOT about evolutionary processes and tropical ecology. We will also discuss the politics of Ecuador's enormous debt, their oil wealth, their exports of roses and sardines. The typical day includes several hours of guided hiking, lectures by local experts, evening readings (20-50 pgs daily) and boisterous discussions.

We will explore Quito and four areas differing in biodiversity and culture.

How do I sign up?

All potential students must apply to enter this course (see the International Ed office for details and deadlines). I hope to have a class where students can learn from each other, so I am looking for a mix of Spanish and non-Spanish speakers, those with extensive travel experience and those who have never left the US, biology majors and non-biology majors. So please, be honest and thoughtful in your answers. I apologize in advance to anyone who must be turned away, I wish I could take everyone who is as excited as I am!!


Readings

Probable reading list prior to arrival in Ecuador:

Pp. 275-321 of Chasteen JC. 2001. Born in Blood and Fire: a Concise History of Latin America.

Pp. 3-44 of D’Orso M. 2002. Plundering Paradise: the Hand of Man on the Galápagos Islands.

Pp. 53-62 of Hanratty DM (ed.). 1991. Ecuador: a Country Study

Pp. 786-818 of Mauseth JD. 2003. Botany: an Introduction to Plant Biology.

Ecuador, CIA. 2009. CIA World Factbook


Read while in Ecuador (you will be assigned to bring one of the books, but you must read both).

Quammen D. 1997. The Song of the Dodo: Island Biogeography in an Age of Extinctions.

Kane J. 1996. Savages.


You must ALSO bring any one of the following books:

Castner JL. 1998. Medicinal and Useful Plants of the Amazon

Constant P. 2008. Marine Life of the Galapagos

Humann P (ed.). 2003. Reef Fish Identification: Galapagos

McMullen CK. 1999. Flowering Plants of the Galapagos

Pearson DL. 1999. Ecotraveller's Wildlife Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos

Ridgely RS and PJ Greenfield. 2001. Birds of Ecuador Field Guide


Assignments

Students may take this course for a grade (ABCDF, A=90%, B=80%,…) or they may enroll as a Pass/Fail student (pass = 70% or above). All students must turn in all materials in order to be considered for a passing grade.

Quiz on Ecuador Moodle readings (10 pts.) This will be done our first full day in Ecuador.

Travel preparedness (10 pts.) You are responsible for being on time for all excursions. You are responsible for knowing where your partner is (know their hotel room location and their exact location during travel). You are responsible for following class rules (e.g., taking meds on time).

Field exercise participation (10 pts.) Good attitude, helpfulness, not talking loudly during hikes, not complaining about weather, etc.

Discussion input (30 pts.) Contributing but NOT dominating discussions. Staying respectful and listening to others opinions. Bringing new ideas, not just agreeing with everyone else. Bringing up past discussion topics during appropriate moments in the rest of the course. These and other factors earn you discussion points.

Calculations of species diversity (10 pts.) Done in teams, you fill out a worksheet and earn points as a group.

Final comprehensive essay (25 pts.) The official topic will be announced just prior to its assignment. The essay demonstrates your learning of class vocabulary and your introspective reflection on our shared experiences. The essay topic will focus on a combination of both natural and social sciences.

Natural history journal (5, 10, then 15 pts.) At each site you are to record the following:

  • Abiotic factors and Biotic factors important to the community
  • Zonation
  • Animal and plant guilds observed
  • Numerical descriptions (what % cloudy was it? how many birds did we see?)
  • Adaptations of animals or plants (including sketches)

Course Guidelines

Because we will be spending a great deal of time together, everyone’s enjoyment will depend upon each individual maintaining a positive and respectful attitude toward one another and our hosts (this includes all Ecuadorians). Disrespect and rudeness will not be tolerated. Significant issues of attitude or disrespect will result in an early departure, for which you will be financially responsible.

Drug use on this trip will not be tolerated. Any student who uses, buys, or sells illegal drugs will be expelled from the program and immediately returned home at his/her own expense. One violation will be cause for removal from the program. Separation from the program means loss of academic credit, and you will be financially responsible for the cost of return travel.

The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited at all scheduled course functions, no matter where located. This means that any activity (flights, meals, excursions, classes, etc.) that the group is expected to attend is considered a program or course scheduled function. One violation of this policy will be loss of drinking privileges at ANY time for the entire class AND/OR cause for removal from the program. Separation from the program means loss of academic credit, and you will be financially responsible for the cost of return travel. We expect that if you choose to drink alcohol during your personal time you will do so responsibly. Abuse of alcohol or the use of alcohol that interferes with your ability to fulfill course requirements will result in an early departure, for which you will be financially responsible.

Although Ecuadorians are friendly, crime does happen, and tourists are easy targets. Do not at any time leave the hotel alone; always travel with at least one other person on the trip. Exercise extreme caution when out at night—take taxis and be responsible for each other. Placing yourself at continued risk will result in an early departure, for which you will be financially responsible.

Mornings should be prompt, quiet and pleasant. Your classmates did not pay nearly $6,000 to wait around camp for you: get out of bed on time, every time. Once awake, be gently pleasant or quiet. We are a mix of perky morning people and surly risers: don’t push us.

Review the most recent class intinerary nightly. Have an idea of where and why we are travelling somewhere before we get there, and when/if you will be eating next (on occasion we may be replacing a meal with travel snacks!).

Reduce noise in the wild. While it is fun to walk in the woods with friends, you have the chance to see some of the most unique and diverse array of life in the world. Speak in hushed tones, keep your eyes and ears open.

Remember the bigger priorities. Many things can befall a traveller abroad – not enough clean socks, hair that never dries, a lost camera, a stolen iPod. Your biggest priority is safety and staying with the group. Remember your medicines, your passport, your classmates and your instructor, and everything else will work out fine.

No awkward silences. Human beings think at different tempos: some communicate quickly and others only speak after deep introspection. If you do not typically speak in class discussions, please try your best to speak up. If you are always willing to speak up, bear some silence and let others contribute. And everyone should really listen to eachother.

Make time for meaningful silences. Please take the time to consider Ecuador and your travels while you are still there. Consider not just what you can photograph, but also what you smell, what you hear, what you feel.

Let your instructor help you. Your first and best means of solving any problem while in Ecuador is to speak with the instructor. Parents and friends back in the US can do little to help with your indigestion, your morale or your snoring roommate. Your privacy is always respected during 1-on-1 conversations with the instructor, even after we return to the U.S.


Informative weblinks


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Students will be trained in estimating biodiversity via transects





The cloud forests are far cooler than the Amazon, but still incredibly lush.





Excursions are mostly hiking, but there is boating and swimming as well.





We will study the many varied cultures of Ecuador.





Ecuador has world-famous bird diversity. Bring binoculars!





Religion, politics and culture have an enormous impact on the natural history of Ecuador.





The Galapagos Islands are a desolate, desperate place for their wildlife.





You will be trained in the rapid but careful observation of nature.





The floral diversity of Ecuador must be seen to be believed.





While we rarely stay indoors, we will visit a few interesting anthropological and zoological museums.





Do NOT forget your sunscreen