Ecuador and the Galápagos
Islands is first
and foremost an academic travel program. Students are required
to enroll for three hours of undergraduate or graduate credit
in the EMU Biology courses, even if they don't plan on using
the credit for transfer to their own program or home institution
(those must enroll for audit credit). The assigned textbook
for this class is "Galápagos- a natural history
guide" by Michael Jackson (cost approx. $30 ), and "The
Beak of the Finch" by Jonathan Weiner (approx. $15). Each
for-credit student is required to prepare and give a short oral
presentation about a topic related to Ecuador or Galápagos
during the trip. Those wanting to make the class count as an
upper-level elective toward their Biology major, will also write
a research paper on a topic related to the talk's topic (due
after the trip). All participants are required to participate
in all program activities, while auditing students are not required
to prepare a research report or presentation.
Instead of lectures, the emphasis
is on dialogue and discussion that actively involves the students.
Because the instructor travels with the group, meaningful discussions
often develop during routine activities. Active participation
in those formal and informal discussions, together with sufficiently
displayed group solidarity, is absolutely necessary to make
this excursion interesting and rewarding. Therefore, they will
form the basis for a large portion of the final academic grade.
The nature of the assignments will vary slightly for students
seeking graduate credit. 1-2 extra EMU Biology credit hours
(designated as independent study/special problems) are available
in consultation with the faculty tour director for students
with interest in deepening their study of some aspect of the
excursion.
Intimate knowledge of the natural history of the islands and
university teaching experience in ecology and conservation assure
that this trip is far more rewarding (and challenging) than
your typical tourist travel. Instruction is further supported
locally by excellent bilingual guides.
Credit
Students
may earn up to 3 hours of Eastern Michigan University credit
in biology at the undergraduate or graduate level. The class
is designated as Bio 279/596 (Special Topics). This class
can count toward an EMU Biology Major as an upper level Biology
elective and as a taxonomic field course. The decision to accept
the credits earned on this program rests with the appropriate
officials at the student's home institution. Students should
consult with their study abroad adviser or academic adviser
to learn their institution's policies and procedures regarding
transfer credit.
