Hawaii: Island Science

Program Description

As unique objects of study and experimental sites, islands are a crucial component in many scientific studies and disciplines. Islands allow us to see into the distant past, into the depths of the ocean, and into the Earth’s interior. Islands are also important sites for anthropology studies for civilizations and empires that were created and developed in areas previously unreachable or unnoticed.

Hawai'i is an excellent site for interdisciplinary studies since it features interesting cultural and natural features. With marine animals like dolphins, we are able to study the nature of communication and consciousness within the aquatic environment. The indigenous Hawai’ian culture has continued to have a strong presence in the islands even decades after becoming a part of the United States. This has allowed us to study how cultures have developed through isolation and the impact of outside exposure.

Highlights

Students will be taught in the field alongside classroom studies with potential visits to Mauna Kea’s peak, a prestigious cosmology observatory with experienced active cosmologists; Mauna Loa, a currently active volcano to meet with volcanologists; the Waikiki Aquarium; and excursions to tropical rainforests.

What`s Included

Course takes place July 18 to August 8, 2015

Students will stay in program-arranged housing in Hilo

Through excursions and interdisciplinary seminar discussions, students will explore the Hawaiian islands through the lens of a variety of scientific disciplines including geology, oceanography, marine biology, geography, ecology, and astronomy, as well as anthropology, evolution, exploration, and climate change.