Course Descriptions
These courses are offered in Winter or Spring Semesters. Space is limited. Contact Prof. Billeter or Prof McManus for additional details and to reserve a seat in the class.
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Classroom |
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Night Beach Seining |
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Catch of the day |
BIO 2560 Tropical Marine Ecology
(4
credits)
Instructor: Paul Billeter
This is a field course conducted among the coral reefs of northern Belize.
Through lectures, labs, and field studies, students will explore the ecology
and natural history of coral reefs and adjacent communities, such as rocky
shores, sandy shores, mangrove swamps, and turtle grass beds. The only prerequisite
for the course is RDG 0800, moderate swimming ability, and an adventurous
spirit. There will be three Sunday, on-campus, lab/lecture orientation sessions
prior to departure to familiarize the students with the corals, fish, invertebrates,
and other organisms of the tropical Caribbean Sea.
See Course web site for more information.
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| San Pedro (St. Peter) |
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| Toucan |
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| Mainland Rain Forrests |
SPA 1052 Culture of Belize
(3
credits)
Instructor: Carolin
McManus
In this course we will study the rich history of the Mesoamerican region of Belize
from the time when the Maya flourished, through the Spanish colonial era, to
the present-day parliamentary democracy. During visits
to Mayan sites, both on our home-base
island of Ambergris Cay and on the mainland, we will explore ruins—dramatic
evidence of Pre-Columbian religious and political centers—attempt to decipher
glyphs, and walk the paths of the Mayan warlords. With the help of historical
texts, literature and personal interaction with Belizeans, we can begin to trace
the Spanish, British, African and Indigenous influences of this diverse Caribbean
culture. This course is taught in English (the official language of Belize).