New study abroad program takes students to India

Written by Melissa Marcotte  

Thursday, 26 January 2006

Marcotte is a U of S student working in the College of Arts and Science

What would be better than spending part of your summer in India?  Of course, many of us have to work and earn money to pay for school, but when you can earn credits just to travel and learn, why wouldn't you take the opportunity?
  
The College of Arts and Science at the U of S is offering two different study abroad opportunities in India this spring and summer.  Both of the programs are being offered for the first time.  
  
The first opportunity enables students to study mountain geography and ecology in the Indian Himalayas. This intensive five-week field program, occuring early May to mid-June, enables students to earn six credit-units in Geography.
  
Travelling through areas of extraordinary beauty, students will have the opportunity to study the tremendous diversity of ecology and physical landscapes, as well as the cultural diversity, of the Indian Himalayas.  
  
Participants will study the characteristics of several eco-zones in the field; visit historical and pilgrimage sites; examine the strategies used by farmers and herders in obtaining their sustenance; learn about the dynamics of environmental degradation; investigate the ecology and the politics of environmental conservation; and consider other environmental concerns related to the increasing pace of modern development.
  
A highlight of the program will be a four-day ecotourism trek, climbing more than 2,000 metres to the outskirts of the famous Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, and learning of the struggles of the indigenous Bhotiya herders to maintain their way of life.
  
The second Indian program is offered by the Department of Religious Studies and Anthropology in cooperation with the Department of Political Studies.  Through this program, which will take place in July and August 2006, students will be able to earn six credit-units at the 200 level (three credit-units in political studies and three in religious studies).  
  
This program will offer students a unique opportunity to experience India's ancient heritage and to learn about its contemporary political dynamics, while studying and travelling for four weeks in Northern India in places such as Delhi, Vrindavan/ Mathura, Agra, Jaipur, Amritsar, Dharamsala, Haridwar/Rishikesh, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Sarnath, and Bodhgaya/Rajgir.  
  
The political studies component of the program will explore the political dynamics and issues that concern modern India, including the history of Hindu-Muslim relations, caste politics, and regional identities.  The religious studies component offers students an opportunity to become acquainted with sacred sites of the major religions of South Asia: Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Islam.  
  
Both programs are expected to cost about $6,000 to participate. Students are encouraged to participate in these programs and others like them that are offered by the U of S.  If you are interested in knowing more about study abroad opportunities, attend an information session presented by Global Commons in Arts 134 at 4:00 on Monday, January 6.
  
For more information on the Himalayan study abroad program, contact Dr. Bill Archibold, Dept. of Geography (Arts 283, w.archibold@usask.ca ) or visit the program website at http://www.usask.ca/geography/himalayas/
  
For more information on this study abroad opportunity, contact Dr. Robert Schwab of the Department of Political Studies ( robert.schwab@usask.ca ), contact the Department of Religious Studies and Anthropology ( relstudies@usask.ca ), or see the departmental website (www.usask.ca/relst/).



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