Since the 1970s, a new tourism industry developed that caught the public’s imagination. The fields of eco-tourism and adventure travel have since grown to be remarkably successful industries, and thousands of companies throughout the world currently exist to meet the public’s demand. Rob Smurr has worked in this industry for 13 years in places as diverse as Siberia, Kyrgyzstan, Antarctica and Mongolia. We will explore eco-tourism in-depth, its history, ethical considerations and business models. This course will provide credits toward upper division writing and research.

Credits awarded: 4 credits each in environmental studies and humanities (history)

This course will cover basic concepts and principles of macro and microeconomics. This will enable students to think coherently and consistently about a wide range of economic and social problems. Emphasis will be on concepts and principles rather than mathematical models. Students will learn how to apply tools of analysis to real-world problems using current cases. This will enable students to recognize faulty economic analysis by leaders, the press and self-proclaimed pundits. This course meets the prerequisites for MPA.

Credits awarded: 4 credits in economics

The Middle East can be viewed through many lenses: wars and conflict, globalization, environmental issues, historical and cultural preservation. With burgeoning arts scenes, Egypt and Jordan will be our venue for exploring contemporary Middle East issues through various forms of art, photography and writing—both those of Middle Eastern artists, writers and photographers—and our own. In this two-part summer offering grounded in cross-cultural communication and peace-building, students will create individual or joint works of art, photography and/or writing based on our field course in Egypt and Jordan. Student projects may be published and/or exhibited in the Olympia area following our field study and on our course Web site. Prior to faculty-led travel in Egypt and Jordan, students are encouraged to enroll in Mass Media and the Middle East, a four-credit preparatory course on the Olympia campus during the first summer session. This course work will give a solid introduction to international journalism and research methods.

Credits awarded: 8 credits in Middle East media studies

U.S. energy policies are under attack due to global climate change, rising energy prices, and fears that supplies are rapidly running out. This course will provide an introduction to the study of energy, including concepts, categories, and measurement, and the relationship between energy use and economic development. We will study energy sources and products (oil, gas and electricity), policy instruments and frameworks, important policy issues and options, and their local, global and environmental implications. This is a graduate-level course and an MPA and MES elective. Seats may be available for upper division undergraduate students.

Credits awarded: 4 credits in energy policy

This course explores the young field of political ecology, which combines social and biophysical sciences in the pursuit of sustainability and justice. Students will study political ecology research and effective means of communicating scientific findings to empower the disadvantaged to improve their environments and lives. Guest speakers will share current work in these areas. Graduate students will make class presentations and demonstrate graduate-level theoretical and analytical skills in all assignments. This course is a graduate level course and an MES elective. Upper division undergraduate students are welcome.

Credits awarded: 2 credits each in interdisciplinary environmental studies and writing

This course provides an overview of children’s literature using American and European writers since 1850, with an emphasis on reading classics and award-winning books as well as the use of picture books and chapter books. Issues of diversity will be highlighted. We will also use a text for the class: Children’s Literature: An Invitation to the World by Diana Mitchell. This course meets the prerequisite endorsement for MIT.

Credits awarded: 4 credits in children’s literature

The program offers first-hand experience of Japanese life through a three-week home stay in two contrasting settings, rural Toyooka or urban Tokyo. Participants will choose either location. The Toyooka program will offer Japanese language classes, cultural workshops, and field trips. More information and application procedures are available at: http://academic.evergreen.edu/curricular/experiencejapan/. The Tokyo program will offer opportunities to work with Japanese university students on individual research projects of your interests. Interested students must contact faculty via email by May 15th. This course prepares students for advanced Japanese studies programs.

Credits awarded: 3 credits in Japanese language; 3 credits in Japanese culture; 2 credits in individual project

While all creative animation has elements of innovation, experimental
animation is sometimes purely exploratory. Students will work independently and in teams exploring different experimental animation
techniques by completing a series of short exercises including cut-out,
pixilation and 3-D stop motion. Other exercises will include storyboards,
lighting design and sound design. Final projects will be produced in groups. No prior art or media production experience is necessary, just a desire to learn the art of animation. This course provides students with an opportunity to produce a variety or animated works that can be used in their portfolios.

Credits awarded: 4 credits in motion studies; 6 credits in 3D animation production; 6 credits in 2D animation production. (Credit varies according to individual student’s work and focus.)