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Academics : International Education Study Abroad

Humans on the Edge

2007-08 Study abroad program

 

Fall Semester (tentative schedule and curriculum)

Leaders: Chris Edler and Sarah Rebick

Tentative Dates: Approximately November 23 to December 14

What's Underneath? Recent natural disasters have unearthed racism, poverty, environmental irresponsibility, and unequal distribution of wealth throughout the world. This course assumes that an interdisciplinary approach will enable students to achieve a deep understanding of these issues by learning about the historical realities of natural disasters, the passionate responses of literature and the arts, and the ethical questions raised by these tragedies. 

The Program: Humans on the Edge: Natural Disasters and the Human Response is an integrated class taught collaboratively by English, History, and Religious Studies teachers. The course seeks to more deeply understand the human condition by studying it in the context of natural disasters. Key questions of the class include:

• What is a natural disaster?
• How do stories communicate meaning?
• How should we inhabit the places we live?
• What role does environment play in the human experience?

Participants will comparatively study the history and literature of local, national, and international natural disasters to better understand the complex roles that economics, politics, race, and landscape play in determining the forms of individual natural disasters.    

Travel: In order to learn through service, the class will participate in volunteer efforts both in the Connecticut River Valley and in the New Orleans area during a two-week travel component coordinated with Habitat for Humanity. 

Requirements/Credits: This course is open to seniors and postgraduates (though not open to Student Leaders) who wish to build on their previous Humanities studies by examining the history, literature, and ethics of people whose worlds have been upended by natural disasters. Students must also have a desire to learn experientially by providing service to people affected by natural disasters.  Students must be mature, strongly motivated, and willing to engage in academic and personal discussions and challenge their perspectives and preconceptions. 

Students who successfully complete Humans on the Edge will earn three credits. Most likely the credits will be as follows: one credit in English, one in history and a third credit comprised of a half credit Intercultural Communications course and a half credit in music.  Students may take this seminar instead of or in addition to any senior English course. Part of the final assessment for this course is a public presentation to the NMH community.

Intercultural Communications: Intercultural Communications is designed to enhance the study of all term abroad programs. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the specific cross-cultural issues they encounter while studying abroad or away from campus. The course will also develop student awareness of cultural differences and provide them with appropriate coping skills and strategies while they are traveling away from school. In addition, students will develop an understanding of the basic elements of cross-cultural communication.