Experiential Learning, Leadership, and Personal Growth:
New Zealand
HON 321
Instructors: Dr. Bob Dvorak & Jordan Bruursema
Finch 108 774-7269
Finch 117 774-2756
Required Text: -101 Ways to Teach Leave No Trace by Center for Outdoor Ethics (provided by instructors)
-Course pack provided by
American Universities International Programs (AUIP)
Suggested Reading: -Leave No Trace in the Outdoors by Jeff Marion
Course Objectives: Upon course completion students will:
1. Understand the value of the nature environment within New Zealand culture
2. Explore the connection between protected areas and New Zealand’s cultural identity
3. Demonstrate awareness of Maori culture and traditions.
4. Conceptualize and reflect on the value of natural environment from a personal, local, and
global perspective.
5. Define their personal philosophy related to environmental ethics.
6. Demonstrate low impact travel and other environmental principles by learning and
applying Leave No Trace practices.
7. Explore and conceptualize their personal leadership style.
8. Apply a variety of group facilitation and management techniques for wilderness travel.
9. Apply leadership skills through a community based service project
Course Requirements:
1. Attend two pre-trip class meetings
2. Participation in 13-day backpacking trip and ecotour of New Zealand
3. Journal (x10)
4. Personal Leadership and Values Reflection Paper
5. Attain Leave No Trace Trainer certification (see attached outline)
6. Complete a nature-base service project while in New Zealand
Grading:
Leadership Reflection Paper 100pts.
Journals (10@ 20 pts each) 200 pts.
Leave No Trace Peer Teaching/Presentation 50pts.
Service Project Participation 50pts
Total: 400pts.
Grading Scale:
A = 372-400 Course points (93 – 100%) C = 292 - 307 Course points (73 -76%)A- = 360 – 371 Course points (90 – 92%) C- = 280 – 291 Course points (70- 72%)
B+ = 348-359 Course points (87 – 89%) D+ = 268 – 279 Course points (67 - 69%)
B = 332 – 347 Course points (83 – 86%) D = 252- 267 Course points (63 - 66%)
B- = 320 – 331 Course points (80 – 82%) D- = 240-251 Course points (60 - 62%)
C+ = 308 – 319 Course points (77 – 79%) E = Below 240 Course points (<60%)
Course Content:
Culture and the Natural Environment:
- Protected areas and cultural identity
- Linking parks to people
- Exploring cultural traditions
- Environmental stewardship and global citizenship
- Tourism and maintaining cultural values
-
Techniques of:
- Leave No Trace Ethics
- Expedition planning
- Navigation
- Physical Training
Theories and principles of:
- Outdoor Leadership
- Group Dynamics
- Teambuilding
Leave No Trace Trainer Certification
Students will attain national certification as a Leave No Trace Trainer as defined by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Those who complete the Trainer course are equipped to:
• Understand, demonstrate and teach state of the art minimum impact techniques for friends, family or community groups;
• Lead a discussion on outdoor ethics and help others explore their own personal outdoor ethic.
· Deliver Leave No Trace awareness workshops to the general public
To attain this certification, students must:
1) Complete an overnight Trainer course facilitated by Leave No Trace Master Educators
2) Demonstrate their ability to teach and communicate Leave No Trace principles to a variety of audiences
Service Learning Project
One of our days in New Zealand will be dedicated to a service learning project that will correlate with the cultural knowledge gained prior to the trip. We will be working in the Cantebury area to assist the Department of Conservation with recreational access, site development and maintenance, and other activities.
Course Outline:
Itinerary to be provided
Central Michigan University provides students with disabilities reasonable accommodations to participate in educational programs, activities or services. Students with disabilities requiring accommodations to participate in class activities or meet course requirements should contact the instructor as early as possible.