River Summer 2007:
A Journey of Discovery
River Summer: The Hudson River as Teacher, Text and Classroom
Through an annual summer program inaugurated in 2005, River Summer transforms the Hudson Valley into an extended laboratory and classroom for interdisciplinary analysis, multi-institutional field programs and cooperative regional studies. Central to the experience of River Summer is the guidance of faculty in the use of state-of-the-art pedagogy, and developing hands-on/minds-on activities that engage students in taking charge of their own learning while stimulating an interest in learning more.
Studies include:
- The formation of the Hudson: its geological underpinnings, hydrology and estuarine circulation:
- Human impacts, changes in the watershed and its ecosystems through time; and
- The river's effect on the economy, history, politics and culture of communities drawn to settle along its shores and in its watershed.
River Summer uses team teaching and participation among institutions that are geographically and ethnically diverse, with faculty who have access to a wide range of resources—from research universities to liberal arts and community colleges.
River Summer pedagogy is based on the principles of cognitive psychology and immersive field-, place- and inquiry-based learning. Field programs have been found to provide memorable, transformative experiences for undergraduate students and faculty alike. Using local resources and landscapes develops an understanding of the environment in which one works and lives, providing greater accessibility and deeper meaning. For faculty, proximity to the areas being studied also allows for the development of field visits in their own curriculum.
For further information about River Summer 2007, contact Tim Kenna at tkenna@ldeo.columbia.edu, or Margie Turrin at mkt@ldeo.columbia.edu
For more information about the Environmental Consortium's programs, contact Michelle Land at mland@pace.edu
More additional on-line information, see: River Summer—Environmental Consortium of Hudson Valley Colleges and Universities
