ANT 256 - Topics: Anthropology of the Environment (1)

Spend 1st block in Minnesota at the Wilderness Field Station in the Superior National Forest, adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA). The BWCA is a unique, extensive chain of nationally protected lakes. Conflicts over land use, however, persist in the region. How do we balance recreation, habitat protection, and economic development? Prominent environmental groups have identified campaigns to protect the BWCA as among the top three national priorities, especially considering proposals to expand mining in the region. From the vantage point of the BWCA this course examines widely relevant debates over environmental meanings, regulative authority, development, and activism. Through immersive activities we work to better understand environmental and socio-cultural conflicts and triumphs in the Boundary Waters and beyond. Our content emphasizes that in working to solve immanent environmental dilemmas we must consider the socio-cultural context through which these dilemmas take shape. Activities include canoeing, hiking, possible camping expeditions, meeting with local activists and organizations, visiting museums and heritage centers, and generally engaging in a variety of immersive events in order to better understand the environmental and socio-cultural conflicts and triumphs associated with the region. This course can count toward the Environmental Studies major.

A non-refundable deposit of $150 is due on Friday, April 15th. The total course cost is $1,300. Funding is available through Ingenuity in Action: https://www.cornellcollege.edu/ingenuity/inact-portal/index.php

Location: Ely, Minnesota

  This course is pre-approved for transcript notation in the Ingenuity in Action category, Civic Engagement. To participate and earn notation of completion on your transcript, please complete the Ingenuity in Action application.
(Social Science)