The land of the midnight sun; the largest state in the union; the last frontier – all of
these reference the vastness and comparative remoteness of Alaska, the eastern, western, and
northern-most state in the United States of America. Alaska’s immense cultural, biological, and
geological resources are the focus of this off-campus study colloquium examining the complex
interactions of human and natural environments in our nation’s 49 th state. Before leaving the lower 48,we will consider how Alaska’s dynamic geography, shaped by marine, glacial, and tectonic activities,impacts inhabitants of all sorts. We will also discuss how and why diverse human communities havecome to regard Alaska’s resources as essential. Students will explore southern Alaska, native culturalheritage sites, and the waters of the Inland Passage. And we will reflect on how contemporary impactscontinue to change this expansive land. Our studies will be assisted by Dr. Scott Ramsey, Director of the Alaska Outdoor Science School, while we are resident in Haines, Alaska. Credit hours: 3; Pre-requisites: sophomore or higher standing in the Westover Honors Program or permission of the instructor.

Course Information:
HONR 341 (see pre-requisites above)

Faculty Leader:
Dr. Nancy Cowden | cowden@lynchburg.edu| 434-544-8371