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2011 Environmental/Adirondack Studies Residency
Home | Residency Theme | Format | Attendance | Residency Speakers | Learning Contracts | Pre-residency Sessions | Graduate Study | Who to Contact | Registration | Scholarships | Residency Faculty

PRE-RESIDENCY COURSES


Sessions for these two courses begin one day before the main residency (Oct. 10) and require an additional fee of $55 (plus $140 = $195).
Students enrolling in one of the preresidency courses are expected to enroll for one of the 4-credit courses as well.
Photo: Ecology walk at Camp Huntington Ecology walk at Camp Huntington


Plants, People and Place: An Introduction to Ethnobotanical Methods
(2 credits, Introductory, Gen. Ed. - Natural Sciences)
Tutors: Drew Monthie and Nikki Shrimpton
See a detailed description of the learning contract

Plants are a rich source of a variety of products such as foods, herbs, spices, medicines, natural fibers, dyes, and craft materials. Plants have a key role in cultural traditions, religion, and mythology. Ethnobotany, broadly defined, is the study of the relationship between plants and people. The field of ethnobotany has its own set of techniques and methodologies used to investigate questions about plant use in different cultures. This study will be a practical introduction to some of the field techniques and epistemology employed in ethnobotanical research: plant collection; specimen preparation; plant identification; and vegetation surveys. Direct contact with the vegetation of a region is critical in order for researchers to fully comprehend the flora of any geographic area being studied. At the residency, students will explore indigenous and introduced medicinal and edible plants of the Adirondack region and New York State. This course meets the SUNY general education requirement for Natural Sciences.

Stories, Songs and Poems: Adirondack Oral Tradition
(2 credits, Introductory, Gen. Ed. - The Arts)
Tutor: Peggy Lynn
See a detailed description of the learning contract

In this study, students will explore songs, stories, and poems that have proliferated throughout Adirondack history, an oral tradition reflecting the culture of the Adirondack region. Students will learn about the functions of oral tradition in conveying beliefs, values, and history. They will study oral traditions from Abenake and Iroquois Indians and examine tall tales and ballads from lumberjacks, river drivers, sportsmen, and outdoor enthusiasts. At the residency, students will try their hands at singing, telling, or recitation and the group will collaborate on a piece to share with others in attendance. As a culminating activity, students will interview an Adirondack tradition bearer and write a paper exploring that artist's creative process. This course meets the SUNY general education requirement for The Arts.
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