12/26/2017

GLOBAL SEMINAR SYLLABUS

CFANS 3518/5518:Environmental Issues in New Zealand

Winter Break 2018, December 26 – January 15, 2018

Location: New Zealand

3 Credits, fulfilling requirements:

  • Environment Theme
  • Global Perspectives Theme

Faculty Leader:

Dr. Stephan Carlson

Extension Professor, Environmental Science Education

Department of Forest Resources

University of Minnesota

115 Green Hall

St. Paul, MN55108

Phone: (612) 624-8186

FAX: (612) 625-5212

E-mail:

Course Description:

This Global Seminar, Environmental Issues in New Zealand, is open to any undergraduate or graduate students regardless of major. Priority for enrollment is given to University of Minnesota students, but students from other institutions may attend if space is available. There are no course prerequisites and all instruction is in English. New Zealand is a modern country with friendly people and awesome scenery.

Learning how to sustainably manage our planet’s natural resources is of paramount importance to the survival of the human species. Our daily news is filled with reports on climate change, water scarcity and pollution, soaring energy costs, and food shortages. Solutions must consider environmental, economic, and social implications of our management strategies. Frequently there are tradeoffs between benefits and costs. University students as future leaders of business, government, and social programs should understand how to analyze environmental issues. What are the issues? Who is affected? What alternatives exist to solve them? What are the environmental, economic, and social tradeoffs between these alternatives? What are reliable sources of information? How can each of us contribute to solutions?

New Zealand has undergone significant changes in its plant and animal composition following the invasion of humans and the exotic species they introduced. Alarmed by these changes, New Zealanders recently have made significant strides in recognizing environmental issues and seeking sustainable solutions. They offer valuable lessons for U.S. students to bring home and apply to our own environmental issues.

As per University of Minnesota guidance, this 3 credit class requires 135 hour of student effort with 40 hours of direct instruction in NZ. This workload is fulfilled through daily in-person classes, lectures, discussions, readings, quizzes, museum visits, guess speakers, videos, tour guides, online research, journaling and experiential activities. In addition, students are required to complete a final journal review (10%) and a reflective paper when they return for 20% of their grade.

Course content will be divided approximately as follows:

  • 20% early human occupation, history, government, and culture.
  • 40% water related issues such as climate change, tsunami management, glaciology,sea mammal management, stream and cave management for glow worms, and water pollution.
  • 40% other natural resource issues such as preservation of native forests, impact of exotic animals on native plants and animals, natural and cultural interpretation, and impact of tourism on natural resources.

Issues will be explored across a range of landscapes from mountains to seacoast, from rainforest to dry land, and across business sectors, fisheries, forestry, wildlife, and tourism.

Learning will occur through lectures, readings, museum visits, and field tours. Comparisons will be drawn between management of natural resources in New Zealand and Minnesota so that students can relate their learning abroad experience to Minnesota’s natural resources, people, and policies.

Course Objectives:

You will:

  • Learn basic facts about New Zealand’s geologic origin, human history, and government to better understand its current culture and economy.
  • Learn about at least three areas of culture that interest you(e.g., art, architecture, transportation, language, music, food, entertainment, politics, interpersonal relations…) and how you can appreciate and adapt to such differences.
  • Learn about at least three environmental issues in New Zealand and how to apply lessons from those issues to conditions in the U.S.
  • Grow emotionally:
  • Develop self-confidence by stepping out of your ordinary life and taking personal risks.
  • Learn how to adapt to a different culture by short-term immersion in a culture.
  • Learn flexibility and patience by living closely with previously unknown people and on a hectic schedule you do not control.
  • Develop a life-long interest in international affairs.

University of Minnesota Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Communicate effectively:Students will write almost daily in a journal that will be graded and will submit a written paper at the end of the course summarizing the major points they learned.
  • Understand diverse philosophies and cultures within and across societies: Students will be exposed continuously to the New Zealand culture and are expected to write in a journal and final paper about the New Zealand culture and how they have adapted it. We will periodically discuss cultural differences during class periods.
  • Acquire skills for effective citizenship and life-long learning:Living within New Zealand’s cultureenables students to better understand what it means to be an American citizen. Living, studying, and traveling in close association with other students enables students to develop habits of cooperation so important to social development. Experiencing learning through readings, discussions, writing, and field trips helps students better understand their preferred learning styles.
  • Master a body of knowledge and a mode of inquiry: You will learn about a wide range of natural resources topics and associated environmental issues. This basic knowledge may help you determine life-long interests in new subjects.
  • Understand the role of creativity, and innovation, discovery, and expression across disciplines: Through study of natural resource sciences and New Zealand’s culture including food, art, architecture, music, language, social interactions, etc. you will have the opportunity to see many different examples of innovation and creative expression. Through journaling, you can use written words and art to express your feelings and articulate new knowledge.

University of Minnesota Student Development Outcomes:

  • Responsibility and accountability by making appropriate decisions on behavior and accepting the consequences of their action: You will be living closely together for 3 weeks in a foreign country where you have little control over the daily activities, lodging, and roommates. Your behavior affects the experience of others and you will get feedback from other students and the instructors if you are disruptive. You also have considerable free time in New Zealand. In a foreign country, your choices reflect on you and your country. Students should seek enriching experiences and represent the USA as model citizens.
  • Independence and interdependence by knowing when to collaborate or seek help and when to act on their own:Students are expected to work alone on homework and the final exam, but are encouraged to discuss class experiences when considering what to write in their journals and final reflections report. You are always encouraged to explore the communities we visit with a classmate for security purposes. Look out for the health and well-being of other students and seek help from the course instructor in case of illness or injury.
  • Goal orientation by managing their energy and attention to achieve specific outcomes: Students write a short paper at the beginning of the course to describe their goals for learning about New Zealand culture and natural resources and what they expect to learn about themselves. They will continually address these topics in a daily journal and final reflections report. While the course has structured time, students learn the most when they apply concepts learned in class to what they see and experience on their own, then write about those learning experiences in their journal.
  • Self-awareness by knowing their personal strengths and talents and acknowledging their shortcomings: Living abroad is a wonderful opportunity to learn about oneself. You are continually encouraged to write in your journal about how you are adapting to the New Zealand culture and what you are learning about your own interests, strengths, and shortcomings. As you study New Zealanders and their history, think about who you are, how you would have responded in a given situation, and what character attributes you strive to achieve.
  • Resilience by recovering and learning from setbacks or disappointments: There may be bumps in the road during this course. You may become homesick, receive a lower grade on an assignment than you expected, become ill, have an assigned roommate with whom you do not get along well, or find the climate or food are not what you anticipated. You will learn and grow from these experiences. It is helpful to “go with the flow” and to learn what helps you bounce back quickly from any setbacks to develop a positive outlook.
  • Appreciation for differences by recognizing the value of interacting with individuals with backgrounds and/or perspectives different from their own: Among the students with whom you travel and among the New Zealanders whom you will meet, there will be many differences in personality, language, culture, appearance, race, and values. Students should look for these differences, understand their meaning, and appreciate their differences.
  • Tolerance of ambiguity by demonstrating the ability to perform in complicated environments where clear cut answers or standard operating procedures are absent: Most students have never traveled abroad for several weeks. There will be new challenges in learning how to live in a backpacker (hostel) lodging, read maps and find transportation to places of interest, and learn how to socially interact with people from another culture.

Student Expectations:

There will be 20 students in the course.

While there will be indoor lectures, about two-thirds of the course time is spent on field tours to forests, mountains, glaciers, caves, rivers, and museums.

It will be summer in New Zealand. Expect temperatures to range from 600 to 850 F and dress accordingly. During last year’s course, most of our time was spent outdoors where we were actively hiking. Bring a rain coat and rain pants for field trips.

We will travel to field sites by bus and on foot. Students must be able to walk two to three miles in one hour over trails to participate in some field trips. Hiking boots are strongly recommended!We travel frequently so students must be on-time for all travel departures. Take a watch and an alarm clock.

A packet of reading materials will be available online on the course Moodle site at the University of Minnesota. You are responsible to print the booklet back to back or download on to you Ipad or laptop. Additional handouts may be distributed during the course by guest speakers. Students will need to continually take notes during field tours to capture information presented by field trip leaders who provide no handout materials. Be ready to ask questions of our guest speaker.

Since we will be traveling in a group during field tours where hearing is sometimes difficult, keep up with the tour leader and listen carefully to the tour leader. Do not carry on conversations with classmates who may be listening to the leader.

We will have short discussions periodically to summarize important points, especially about New Zealand Culture. You will share your personal observations and periodically read from your journal. Keep your journal up-to-date every day.

Class composition will be diverse with students from many majors, all class levels, different genders and ethnic backgrounds. You will share sleeping rooms with at least one other classmate of the same gender. Exposure to this diversity and coping with different classmate personalities and knowledge levels is great experience for dealing with future workplace environments.

New Zealanders love their country and its resources. They are very happy to share all that they know. Ask questions and probe for all that you can learn. New Zealanders likewise include people from different cultural backgrounds. We must respect these cultural differences and not openly criticize different practices and ideas that we might observe or hear. This is a time to listen and broaden your horizons! We are guests in New Zealand and must treat New Zealanders as our hosts.

ProposedItinerary:

Tuesday, 26December

At the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, check your baggage through to Auckland, NZ. Gather as a group at the departure gate, Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, Lindbergh Terminal. Stephan Carlson will travel withthe group. In Los Angeles, take an airport shuttle bus from the domestic terminal to the International Terminal.

Wednesday, 27,December In transit. Cross the equator!

Thursday, 28, December

Arrive in Auckland, NZ at 5:30 am

  • Meet a Representative at Auckland International Airport.
  • Transfer by coach to accommodation, stopping at Mt. Eden (volcanic cone) along the route.
  • Welcome Lunch – Included in program expense.
  • Introduction session to prepare you for New Zealand, explore differences andsimilarities between cultures, and learn essential safety advice. Review the course itinerary and askyour representative any questions you may have. (2 hours)
  • Course Introduction –Stephan Carlson(1 hour)
  • Dinner - at own expense
  • Accommodation– Auckland Central Backpackers

Friday, 29, December

  • Breakfast – At own expense
  • Boat trip via 360 Discovery Cruises ( to Tiritiri Matangi Island. Take a short guided walk, then hike the island’s trails on your own to see rare native birds in their natural habitat. Bring your own lunch and beverages.

Accommodation – Auckland Central Backpackers

Saturday, 30December

  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner – At own expense
  • Lecture by Stephan Carlson, N Z History -- including Treaty of Waitangi and Maori land claims (Lecture by Stephan Carlson, Glow Worms. (1/2 hour)
  • Guest Lecture by Dr. Art Polkanov, Department of Conservation, Invasive Alien Wildlife of New Zealand -- origin of New Zealand’s wildlife, a sample list of invasive alien species, and control measures for undesirable, invasive, alien species. (1 1/2 hours).
  • Lunch – At own expense
  • Take a public bus to the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
  • Tour Auckland War Memorial Museum and the Maori Cultural Experience.
  • Dinner – At own expense
  • Accommodation – Auckland Central Backpackers

Sunday, 31December

  • Breakfast – At own expense
  • Bus travel to Waitomo. (~ 3 hours)
  • Spellbound Tour of Waitomo Caves to learn about cave formation, glow worms, their dependence on aquatic insects, and watershed management to protect stream water quality. (~3 1/2 hours)
  • Bus travel to Tonagriro. (~2 hours)
  • Bus stop at supermarket so students can buy groceries
  • Dinner – At own expense
  • Accommodation – Tonagriro

Monday,1 January

Tongariro Crossing Trek (unguided)

** Please bring: Plenty of water/fluids, Food, Waterproof jacket/pants, Good walking boots (it is uneven volcanic terrain) Warm clothing polypropylene, woolen hat and gloves and Sunscreen/sun hat

The crossing spans the length of Mt Tongariro 12 miles (19.4Ks) You start from the Mangatepopo Valley and walk over towards the Ketetahi road end as this will minimise the climbing involved. It will take about 6-9 hours depending on group fitness and allowing time for photos and any sidetracks, the summit of Mt Tongariro is 1967 m and Mt Ngauruhoe at 2287m above sea level.

Packed Lunch – Included in the program

Transfer by charter coach from Tongariro to Rotorua

Dinner - At own expense

Tuesday, 2January

  • Breakfast – At own expense

Lectures provided by University of Minnesota Faculty – Meeting room provided for 3-4 hours

  • Lecture by Stephan Carlson on New Zealand’s Volcanoes (1/2 hour).
  • Lecture by Stephan Carlson on New Zealand Climate (1/2 hour).
  • Lecture by Stephan Carlson on Communication in a “free-choice” setting (1 ½ hours).

Lunch – At own expense

Excursion to the Redwood Whakarewarewa Forests

  • Tamaki Maori Village Program and Dinner, (3.5 hour experience)
  • Accommodation–Rotorua

Wednesday, 3January

  • Breakfast – At own expense
  • Kuaka Field Excursion with Guide (lunch included)
  • Visit Maungatautari Ecological Reserve
  • Kiwi Encounter
  • Rainbow Springs
  • Dinner – At own expense
  • Accommodation – Rotorua

Thursday, 4January

  • Bus travel to Kuaka Field Excursion with Guide. (1 ½ - 2 hours) (depart at 8:00 am)
  • Bus travel back to Rotorua. (1 1/2 hours)
  • Lunch on your own
  • Unscheduled afternoon
  • Dinner – At own expense
  • Accommodation – Rotorua
  • Friday, 5 January
  • Breakfast – At own expense
  • Morning discussion and opportunity to share readings from student journals (30 minutes) In your journal describe products made from 10 different natural resources.
  • Lecture on Interpretive Signage (1 hour)
  • Lecture on NZ Forest (1hour)
  • Lecture on NZ Native Birds (45 minutes)
  • Morning flight from Rotorua to Christchurch.
  • Lunch – At own expense.
  • Lecture on Sea Mammals, DOC
  • Lecture on Tsunamis (30 minutes)
  • Students turn in first homework assignment and journal for mid-term grading
  • Accommodations, Christchurch TBA

Saturday, 6January

  • Breakfast – At own expense
  • Antarctica Centre Excursion
  • Lunch included in the program
  • Journey through Christchurch’s Red Zone after the Earth Quack
  • Canterbury Museum
  • Dinner – At own expense

Sunday, 7 January

  • Bus travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass.
  • Enroute, stop at Cave Stream Scenic Reserve for rest break and to hike trails. (45 minutes)
  • Lunch at Arthur’s Pass (cafes) or at the Bealey Hotel.
  • Guest lecture led by the D. o C. on local kiwi management forest ecology. (1/2 hour)
  • Dinner at the Bealey Hotel.
  • Accommodation – Bealey Hotel, Arthur’s Pass

Monday, 8 January

  • Breakfast - Bealey Hotel
  • Stop at theBushman’sCentre Museum -- video about wild deer capture and management, exhibits of exotic animals in NZ wildlands.
  • Lunch – At own expense (probably at Bushman’s Centre)
  • At Okarito Beach and Lagoon, take a 1 ½ hour hike to the trig station led by Stephan Carlson. Stretch your legsand get a view over the coastal rainforest.
  • Dinner – At own expense
  • Accommodation –TBABackpacker

Tuesday, 9January