Natural History in the Early 21st Century:  The Galapagos Islands

Spring 3-week, 2009
Travel Dates for spring session:  To be Determined

The Faculty

Spring: Matt Hils, Professor of Biology and Sandy Madar, Associate Professor of Biology 

The Course

INTD 318 - Natural History in the 21st Century

The Program

This Study Abroad program will focus on the natural history of the Galapagos Islands, which figure prominently in the writing of Charles Darwin.  His observations made there, as chief historian aboard HMS Beagle from 1831-36, were critical to his proposal for the evolution of living organisms by the process of natural selection.

Most people are familiar with Darwin's voyage and some of the observations he made that later led to his theory about evolution and natural selection.  Many have seen educational films and photographs of Darwin's finches, tortoises, marine iguanas, and land iguanas.  Few have been able to see them in their natural habitats.  This course offers students the opportunity to see these phenomenal organisms as well as ones that Darwin either never saw or chose not to mention.

Included in this excursion is not only the study of natural objects and their development over time, but also the impact of human visits and habitation on the geological and biological features of the Islands.

Students will examine how the geological history, climatology, geography, native and endemic wildlife were instrumental in Darwin's conceptualization of the theory of natural selection.  This will provide the foundation for a discussion of how human perspectives regarding the island have changed, considering such topics as introduced species. 

About the courses:

The course includes 4 days of class and orientation prior to the trip.  Topics to be covered include discussion of 'natural history,' writings by natural historians, the nature of volcanoes and the geology of the Islands, Darwin and his theory of evolution by natural selection, introduction to and practice of useful Spanish terms and phrases, and dissemination of important orientation and travel information.

Field Trips:

The itinerary includes 11 days in the Galapagos Islands.  Visits will include three of the four islands visited by Darwin as well as 5 to 6 others. The group will live aboard a modest motor yacht with its Ecuadorian captain and crew as well as an Ecuadorian naturalist guide, the latter required by the Ecuadorian government of all visitors.  During travels between islands students will work on reading and writing assignments; listen to lectures by faculty and the Ecuadorian naturalist; and be able to talk with crewmembers.  At stopping points, walks to many areas of interest on the islands are scheduled, as are many snorkeling opportunities when appropriate.

Class Requirements:

Grade work is based on participants' daily academic journal work, directed essays, and participation.

Estimated Program Costs

$6500 above tuition, room, and board.  Costs include round trip airfare, housing, meals, entrance fees and tips.  Personal expenses, passport fees, and independent travel are not included.  Hiram students living on campus will not be charged Hiram room and board for the duration of this trip.

Application Deadline

October 3, 2008
A $75 non-refundable fee will be billed to your Hiram College account upon receipt of your application.  This fee is used to pay for processing costs, an International Student Identity Card, passport holder, and luggage tags.

For more information, please contact:

Study Abroad Coordinator
Hiram College
P.O. Box 67
Hiram, OH  44234
Phone: (330) 569-5160
Fax: (330) 569-5381
E-Mail: mickks@hiram.edu