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Participating in an archaeological "dig" in Africa, exploring a Caribbean coral reef and studying art in one of the great European capitals were among the experiences St. Lawrence students had while taking Summerterm 2006 courses taught off campus. The courses allow study abroad without committing to an entire semester or year away from the University. This is the first year that a summer version of St. Lawrence's very popular program of study in Kenya was offered.

Courses, with lists of participants, follow:

Biology 248: Coral Reef Ecology, taught in San Salvador, Bahamas, is an intensive, two-week, hands-on experience providing the opportunity to learn about coral reef ecosystems, biodiversity and the use of these resources by Bahamians and international tourists. The class also works with local Bahamians to collect data they need to establish marine preserves to safeguard fisheries and tourist diving sites. In addition, students participate in a "marine science camp" program to get local school children snorkeling and observing the marine life of their island.

Allison Avrich '07, Fulton, NY
McKenzie Mescon '09, Newton, MA
Michael Petrik '07, Baldwinsville, NY
Katherine Taylor '09, Essex Junction, VT
Louis Zeppieri '07, Contoocook, NH

Sociology 347: A Post-Colonial Community: The Rastafarians in Ethiopia is a three-week course that is a cross-cultural and socio-historical analysis of a global community, including the redefinition of a social group in the world economy. The course also introduces students to critical dimensions of a community's resistance and perseverance against dehumanizing forces of the market and alienating categories of nation, race and ethnicity.

Raurri Jennings '08, Canton, NY
Paul Moncrieffe Jr. '07, Albany, NY
David Osorno '08, Elmhurst, NY
Kyle Phillips '09, Schenectady, NY
Adam Richards '07, Farmington, CT
Daniel Shafer '08, Duxbury, MA
Brandi Welch '06, Readfield, ME

Psychology 248: The Psychology of Creativity is a three-week course taught in Vienna, Austria. For centuries Vienna has produced some of the world's greatest artists, composers, thinkers and performers. The course includes study of the most recent contributions of positive psychology in understanding creativity, using the setting of Vienna as a focus; students concentrate on a particular creative figure associated with Vienna. The class includes guest lectures by Austrian scholars, field trips in and around Vienna and a three-day field trip to Prague.

Larysa Balysky '09, Randolph, NJ
John Cordella '08, Pine Plains, NY
Andra Kowalczyk '08, Utica, NY
Matthew Landry '08, Wilton, CT
Rachel Lim '08, Walnut, CA
Keith Malament '09, Marblehead, MA
James McCune '08, Harrisville, NY
Christopher Meyer '08, Putney, VT
Christopher Wall '07, West Roxbury, MA
Joseph Webb '09, Pleasant Grove, UT

Anthropology 448: In Search of Our Ancestors, a four-week field course, provides students with an interdisciplinary introduction to Kenyan archaeology and early human evolution in Africa. Fieldwork is based primarily at Lenderut, a 500,000-year-old Acheulean site and Olkena, a 10,000-year-old Later Stone Age site located at Lake Magadi, Kenya, which the course instructor, Assistant Professor of Anthropology John Barthelme, has been investigating since 1987. While in the field, students learn the fundamentals of archaeological methodology including site survey, stratigraphy, taphonomy, excavation techniques and laboratory analysis. Also includes are excursions to well-known archaeological sites in Kenya. While engaged in fieldwork, students also participate in individual research projects.

Jennifer Shauger '08, Coxsackie, NY
Lindsey Taylor '08, Rutland, VT
Margaret Van Brunt '06, Pittsford, NY

Environmental studies/biology/ African studies 247: Challenges in Conservation: National Parks at Risk is a four-week, field-based course addressing the necessity for active management of two of Kenya's national parks. Population growth and encroachment on the parks threatens loss of biodiversity, deterioration of rangelands, frequent animal population crashes, accelerated human-wildlife conflicts and loss of income from park visitors. After visiting the protected areas and hearing from local practitioners, scientists and other stakeholders, students participated in research and debate, acquiring field techniques and analytical skills that can be the basis of their own future projects. The course emphasizes analytical, interactive and solution-oriented work rather than factual learning.

Geoffrey Bowen Borgeson '08, Sherborn, MA
Rumsey Bristow '07, Vergennes, VT
Ashley Currier '07, Rye, NH
James Hearty '07, Weston, MA
Suzanne Lewis '09, Cohasset, MA
Kiernan Mittlefehldt '06, Williamsville, NY
Lauren O'Connell '07, Farmington, CT

Sociology/anthropology/ African studies 247:Health Care Delivery in a Developing Country is a four-week, community-based learning course taught in Kenya, exploring critical issues about health care in a resource-constrained environment. Among them: What formal and informal institutions are most effective in providing preventive and primary health care? How can communities develop participatory approaches to the management of HIV and other diseases? Why do highly preventable diseases still continue to burden Africans? What are the belief systems and health-seeking behaviors in different populations, both rural and urban? How can traditional healing practices complement western medical approaches to disease? As part of the course, students are placed in clinics, teaching hospitals and community health programs, contributing to the work of the organization while assessing its role in the broader provision of health care.

Samantha Bealer '07, Darien, CT
Kaitlin Branon '07, Plattsburgh, NY
Katherine Colten '08, Jamesville, NY
Laurie Fullerton '07, Cambridge, NY
Christopher Lonegan '07, North Yarmouth, ME
Tara Lowell '07, South Royalton, VT
Alice Mattison '07, Osterville, MA
Tanya Milan-Robertson '07, San Mateo, CA
Julie Muetterties '07, Glen Mills, PA
Sarah Primeau '07, Boxford, MA

Posted: July 26, 2006