Southwest England: Overview

Introduction

The Real Jurassic Park: geological explorations in southwest England

12 credits offered during Summer Quarter 2006 (Term B) by
UW Tacoma Environmental Science

This field course involves a four-day intensive introduction to geology in classes at UW Tacoma, followed by a two-week visit to southwest England. The trip will include ten days in the field, studying the geology of the Dorset and Devon coast followed by trips to Oxford, Bath and London to visit museums and other cultural and historical sites that have been influenced by the geology of the Dorset/Devon coastline. The course concludes with follow-up classes and student presentations on campus at UW Tacoma.

England is the undisputed birthplace of geology with a rich history of geological discovery dating back to the 19th Century. The geological exposures along the Dorset and east Devon coast have been particularly important for the development of the science; it is here that the first fossilists gained initial insight into ancient life on earth and that early cartographers undertook some of the first geological mapping.

The remarkably exposed geology of this part of England and its contribution to science was recently recognized when it was designated as a UN World Heritage Site. The Jurassic Coastline, as the site has come to be known, is named for its spectacular rock and fossil record of the Jurassic period, a time when dinosaurs ruled the earth and the super-continent of Pangaea dominated the earth's geography. With its rich historical and cultural connections to the natural world this locale also represents a unique opportunity to introduce students to the broader social contexts of geology. For example Portland Stone, quarried in Dorset and used in some of the finest residences in Bath and Oxford, significantly influenced the development of trade and transport in southwest England.

Academic Content

Students will receive 12 credits for TESC 417: Field Geology. As this course has no prerequisites, it offers an international opportunity to study geology and landscape in the field to all students, regardless of their discipline. Additionally, the locale and emphasis of the course encourages students to broaden their perspective of geoscience and to make connections between geology and subjects such as history and economy.

Student learning in this course can be broken down into three components: (1) Pre-trip immersion classes, (2) Field experiences and journaling during the trip and (3) Post trip research and presentation. These are described below:

1. Pre-trip immersion classes: these will focus on the scientific concepts that students need to understand the geology and landscape in southwest England; these classes will be built around interactive exercises and co-operative learning.
2. Syn-trip field experiences and journaling: All classes will be conducted outside, in the field with a focus on experiential learning; days in the field will be followed by evening discussions. Students will be required to compile a field journal, in which they will record observations and make interpretations about the geology and landscape that they will be studying; they will also be encouraged to use the journal to reflect on cultural and social differences that they have noticed during their travels. The journals will form the basis of evening discussions during the trip and will be reviewed by professors upon return to campus.
3. Post-trip research and presentation: During their time in England students will select and conduct initial research on a topic of special interest to them; upon return to campus students will research their chosen topic further and then present their work orally at a seminar designed as the culminating experience of the course. The research project and associated seminar will allow students to become "experts" in some aspect of their international experience, deepening their knowledge and building confidence in their research abilities and international knowledge. The seminar will also be used as a vehicle to encourage the group as a whole to reflect on the cultural and academic experiences of the trip and to share new perspectives.

Required Readings

Stanley, S.M., 2005, Earth Systems History (2nd edition), Freeman, New York.

Program Schedule

The program begins with courses on the UWT campus at the start of Term B, so that students could take other courses during Term A. There is also a break between the course in England and the follow-up class meetings at UWT, allowing students the possibility of travelling elsewhere before returning home. Click here for a tentative schedule.

Housing

Housing while in England will be at the following locations:

• 4 nights at Leeson House Field Centre, Swanage
• 6 nights at Woodberry Down Outdoor Centre, Lyme Regis
• 3 nights at Oxford Youth Hostel, Oxford

Airfare

Program faculty will share information about preferred flights, itineraries, and travel agency information when students are admitted to the program.

Travel Documents

All program participants must have a valid passport in order to travel to England. No visa or other paperwork is required.

Student Eligibility

There will be a maximum of 20 students chosen to participate in this program. Undergraduate and graduate students from any discipline are invited to apply. Participants are selected on the basis of scholarship, preparation, interest, motivation, and emotional maturity. No previous international/language experience is required, though a willingness for physical activity (i.e. walking up to 2-3 miles per day) is necessary.

Application Deadline

To insure consideration, apply by January 27, 2006. Applications will be accepted until program is full.

Program Fees

The total program fee is divided into the academic course fee and travel fee. Travel fees are paid to UW Tacoma according to the payment schedule below. The academic course fee will be charged to participants' UW student account and paid the same way as tuition. This includes a $100 non-refundable administrative fee charged by UW Tacoma International Programs. Travel payments may be made with a personal check, money order, certified or cashier's check payable to University of Washington, Tacoma (UWT). Write "England Summer 2006" in the memo line of the check.

Included in Program Fees:

• Course fee for 12 credits
• Full room and board at Leeson House and Woodberry Down
• Bed and breakfast at Oxford Youth Hostel
• Ground transportation for field trips
• Field center fees and museum entry fees

Not Included in Program Fees:

• Airfare to and from England
• Health and travel insurance
• Lunches and dinners in Oxford
• Train fare Oxford-London
• Textbooks
• Personal spending money

Payment schedule

*Academic course fee of $1,700 (in lieu of tuition) is due July 7, 2006 (tuition due date for Summer Quarter 2006). Academic course fee is subject to change due to various factors such as currency fluctuation and UW tuition increases.

Send checks to:
University of Washington, Tacoma
Cashier (MAT 354)
1900 Commerce Street
Tacoma, WA 98402

Refund Conditions for Fees

1. If you are not accepted to the program, the deposit will be refunded.
2. If you are accepted and withdraw in writing prior to March 1, 2006 the deposit will be refunded.
3. Thereafter, you will forfeit the deposit plus any non-recoverable payments already made or committed on your behalf. No refunds will be given for unused accommodations, meals or other fees and services.

Notice of Withdrawal from the program MUST be made in writing to:

UWT International Programs
Box 358437
University of Washington, Tacoma
1900 Commerce Street
Tacoma, WA 98402

Changes in Costs or Scope of the Program

In the event of significant devaluations of the dollar, some adjustments to program activities may be necessary. If there are any political events that might compromise the safety of the participants, a rescheduling or cancellation of the program may be necessary. If such changes occur, students will be notified of the changes and options will be presented.

Program Cancellation

If viable enrollment is not reached by March 15, 2006, the program will be cancelled and all recoverable monies paid in will be refunded.

Equal Opportunity and Disability Accommodations

The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in accordance with University policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations. The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process contact the Disability Support Services Office at least ten days in advance. An appointment can be made through the front desk of Student Affairs (253-692-4400), through Student Services (692-4501), or by phoning Lisa Tice at 692-4493 (voice) or 692-4413 (TTY), or by email (ltice@u.washington.edu).