What's it Like

I had an interesting conversation with some new friends at dinner this weekend, and they were interested in what will be going on while we are at sea. I explained that a full range of about 80 classes would be offered including, biology, literature, anthropology, politics, etc. Since the theme of this voyage (not to be confused with cruise) is sustainability, so each course will be taught with an emphasis on sustainability. While the ship is at sea, classes will meet every day of the week. Classes are either A days or B days, so they meet every other day. While in port, classes will not meet, but a full range of Field Directed Practica (FDPs) are arranged for the students. Students may take part in the FDPs, Semester at Sea arranged tours/excursions, or independent travel. The students must take some of the FDPs because each course requires participation as a component of the final grade. The classes are listed at http://www.ise.virginia.edu/syllabi/s10/S10_Course_List.pdf

As an example of an FDP, one syllabus states: Prior to our arrival in each port...I will distribute a list of questions derived from the readings, themes and problems addressed in this course and appropriate to the country we are visiting. Based on your experiences in the FDPs, you will write a report in which you answer at least two of the questions on the list, explaining how your observations onshore support your conclusions. Many of the classes require journals from each port, and some require a photo essay. It's safe to say that students have to be engaged in learning while in the port.

The reading lists for each course are pretty extensive--some requiring the reading of at least 6 books. I've been reading the syllabi, and it is an impressive list of courses with interesting reading lists. I've even started reading some of them myself.