This course will focus on the concept of place, which we define as a geographic setting where nature and culture intertwine and unfold through time. This integration of nature and culture reflects our belief that humanity is inseparable from the natural systems on which it depends, and to study them in isolation reinforces an artificial dichotomy. Our class will foster an opportunity to think of the places we live as complex systems within which we are integral components. Thinking in systems helps us to understand both the complexity and the reality of the interdependence of the ecological systems and social systems that make up a place. Using the Burlington landscape as our classroom, we will spend the two weeks exploring how our actions impact other components of the system, and reflecting on how we can live sustainably within our places.

Walter Poleman () and Leah Mital-Skiff ()

Dates: July 15 - August 9, 2013; SUMMER ACADEMY and by application ONLY; Available to students completing 10th & 11th grades; Residential program only; VT students cannot use their dual enrollment voucher; Students need to apply & supply a transcript & a letter of recommendation; April 1st priority application deadline; Dean's Office permission only; Course format is two weeks on campus: 7/15 - 7/26; And two weeks online from 7/29 - 8/9.

There are no courses that meet this criteria.