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    I.C.E. Internships

Summer Semester 2002

(June 18 to August 21)

Fall Semester 2002

(September 7 to November 9)

Spring Semester 2003

(January 29 to April 3)

Course Description

Semester in the South Seas (SSS) puts you in direct contact with the cultural and natural heritage of Hawaii. Our interdisciplinary curriculum explores Hawaiian culture past and present, aspects of Hawaiian archaeology, geology and volcanology, tropical marine and reef ecology, island rainforests, threats to biodiversity, and current sovereignty and land ownership issues. Participants learn primarily through hands-on, experiential learning techniques with tropical forests, coral reefs, lava flows, and archaeological sites as the classroom. Transferable academic credit (12 semester units) in upper level Geography is available through San Francisco State/Wildlands Studies. Additional fees apply.

A highlight of the program is three major backcountry hikes; the remainder of the time will be spent at beachside campgrounds and in youth hostels. It is important to stay active before the trip and to arrive in Hawaii in reasonably good shape. In addition to preparing you for the hikes, good fitness will help condition you for the heat as well.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of SSS is the internship period that falls between the Hawaii (Big Island) and the Kauai portions of our field-study. During this time, participants explore topics of Hawaiian cultural ecology through intensive and interactive volunteer work or field research.

Our program philosophy places great importance on working together as a group, as well as securing space for the individual. Besides enjoying community living, we encourage you to spend some time away from your peers. Through such reflection, you will connect to the cultural surroundings and environment in a more meaningful and lasting way. We also encourage splitting up camp (when possible) and hiking in groups of two or three versus one long chain.

We would also like to remind you that our program is logistically and academically intense at times. You should be prepared for the academic content of the program. A pre-trip reader will be sent out prior to the program's start. The Semester in the South Seas program is a tremendous learning opportunity and chance to bond with fellow students, staff, and those with whom you work during your internships. By the end of the course, participants will have gained valuable outdoor living and group problem solving skills, as well as leaving with a comprehensive understanding of Hawaii's complex environmental and cultural reality.

Please note

All information on this website is subject to change. I.C.E. relies on numerous outside agencies to perform services-- sometimes they change their schedules with short notice and we adapt accordingly. As such, dates, times, costs, and course schedules may vary each semester. This course description differs somewhat from earlier versions of our website or brochures.

EVALUATION PROCEDURES
Participants will be evaluated on program participation as well as on academic productivity. Students are expected to attend and participate in all class meetings in their entirety. This includes active participation in group discussions, copious note-taking during lectures, and reflective listening during various presentations. Participants are also expected to be positive, contributing members of our living and learning community. This includes cooperative maintenance of living areas and active solution of group and individual challenges. Academic productivity will be graded on several aspects. Students will keep an ongoing course journal. This journal will be divided into the following sections: Class Notes, Journal Assignments, Question Sets, Miscellaneous, and Diary. Exams will be interspersed throughout the program. Also, there may be a final paper depending on the semester and course instructor.

NON-CREDIT STUDENTS
Persons who choose not to enroll in the program for college credit should be aware that all participants are required to complete all assignments and tests regardless. Non-credit students must maintain a 65% average (passing grades) on tests and participation to remain in the course. Should the instructor feel that a student has slipped below an acceptable level of performance, he or she will notify you. This will be your only warning. You may be asked to re-do assignments or tests to bring your average up. If you continue to fall below expectations, you will be removed without refund. As our course is participatory in nature, most students usually pass their tests if they take notes during lectures.