Anthropology 293 - Culture and Ecology of Ecuador's Tropical Forests

Anthropology 293 is an experience-based course that introduces undergraduate students from diverse academic backgrounds to the culture and ecology of the tropical forest.  It is a three-week, intensive field course at the Guandera (northern highland cloud forest) and Jatun Sacha biological reserves (tropical rain forest) in Ecuador.

Culture: You will learn about indigenous culture by visiting highland towns and Quichua lowland villages.  You will meet local healers knowledgeable about medicinal plants and shamanism and artisans working in a variety of arts and crafts mediums.

Ecology: You will study tropical forest ecology, indigenous cultures, and the political ecology of these areas. You will learn about tropical forest ecology through instructional hikes and solo experiences in the forest.

Political Ecology: In the evenings, our discussions will center on  environmental ethics and the environmental and cultural impact of resource extraction, eco-tourism, and globalization. You will explore human environmental interaction through visits to farms, botanical gardens, experimental agricultural plots, and animal rehabilitation centers.

Language:  Instruction will be in English.  Knowledge of Spanish is extremely useful.  Ecuador has many language schools for those interested in studying Spanish before or after the course.

Credit: Students will receive 3 credit hours for the three-week course.  Additional credits can be earned by prior arrangement with the instructor for individual projects.

Instructor:  Pamela Erickson is Associate Professor of Anthropology and Public Health at the University of Connecticut.

Eligibility:  Applicants must be 18 or older, in good academic standing, and in good health and physical condition.  Non-UCONN students are welcome.

Travel: In-country travel will be by bus, canoe, and on foot.

Accommodations: Quito and other towns – small hotels with 2-5 people per room.  Guandera Lodge – bunkroom style.  Aliñahui Lodge at Jatun Sacha – double occupancy.  All accommodations will have shared bathrooms.

Meals:  In Quito and towns, meals will be taken in restaurants.  At the reserves, meals are family style. Vegetarians can usually be accommodated.

Cost:  The estimated cost is about $3,000* including tuition and fees, International Student Identity Card, insurance, roundtrip air transportation from the Connecticut area to Quito, and in-country travel and room and board.  Additional estimated costs include $250-$500 for personal expenses and recreational activities (e.g., horseback riding, mountain biking, river rafting).

Enrollment is limited to 15 students.
 

Application Information:

Applications and $25 application fee are due: April 15, 2001

Nonrefundable $350 deposit due by May 1, 2001

Application materials can be downloaded from UCONN’s Study Abroad website: http://studyabroad.uconn.edu

...or requested from Study Abroad Office:

Email: Sabadm03@uconnvm.uconn.edu
Phone: (860) 486-5022
FAX: (860) 486-2976
Snail mail: U-1207, 843 Bolton Road, Storrs, CT, 06269-1207
 

For additional information:

Please visit the website at: http://chief.anth.uconn.edu/Faculty/erickson/anth293/index.html

...or contact Dr. Erickson at: pamela.erickson@uconn.edu or at (860) 486-1736

Note:  Dr. Erickson is on leave in Ecuador May 2000 - August 2001 and can be reached by email.
 

Cautionary Note: The field experience is physically challenging and involves strenuous hiking in hilly, muddy terrain on unimproved trails in remote areas; encounters with wildlife; and river travel by canoe.  Please note that Ecuador does not mandate handicap access and the field area is not handicap accessible.

Please note that dates and prices are subject to change.