Eco Lens on Costa Rica
Sociology and Photography
with a case study on Costa Rica
Question+Answers
Immersive
Course
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What is a 6 credit integrated course module and
why should I take it?
A six-credit integrated course are two related classes offered by two professors who are working together to create a stimulating and varied learning environment. It’s an enriching, innovative, unique academic experience, deeper and more connected than a typical class. You’ll develop deeper relationships with the professors and other students, and make connections between classes and disciplines. In this module, our three classes will be united by the idea culture integrated with a studio art course focusing on photography. Plus, you’re also meeting three different general education requirements.
What is expected as a student?
As a student you will be expected to: discuss concepts, expand your writing skills, learn new skills in digital design, and expand your ability to think critically and consciously. You’ll also be expected to contribute to a vibrant, flexible, connected community of students and professors and to invest in your education. You’ll be expected to make connections across the integrated classes and to make these connections outside of class as well as we travel as a group to Costa Rica over spring break.
Class Schedule
SPRING 2020
Courses meet online +
in Augusta on four Fridays:
1/31, 2/21, 3/6 & 5/1
from 12-6 PM in RRSC 127
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Travel
Could you talk about the travel component?
The travel component is an opportunity not simply to travel to another country—to Costa Rica—but to experience another “America” through an educational living/learning environment. We will also take field trips to visit various cultural parks in Costa Rica.
On the more practical, fiscal side, a non-refundable course fee of $1,200 will cover your plane ticket from Boston, MA, lodging and some other expenses in Costa Rica. If you are eligible for financial aid, this cost could possibly be added to your award. Each student is requested to bring $350 for food and any additional travel expenses. Students are expected to make travel arrangements to and from Boston Logan Airport.
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What about financial aid and travel?
Financial aid funds may be utilized to assist financial aid eligible students with the course fees charged for this course. Additional charges incurred are the responsibility of the student-i.e. passport expenses. For further guidance or clarification, please contact Student Financial Services at 207-621-3455 or via email at umafa@maine.edu.
Are you aware of the University of Maine System health insurance requirements?
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All students in programs that require health insurance and those registered for 9 credit hours or more will automatically be enrolled and their student account will be billed for the SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan) spring/summer premium of $1079. Students who already have health insurance coverage and do not wish to participate in the SHIP will have an opportunity, starting November 2018, to withdraw from this coverage and charge via an on-line waiver process at www.crossagency.com/uma. Also starting in November, students who meet the criteria and wish to take advantage of the SHIP and/or have no other health insurance coverage can complete the on-line enrollment steps to proactively confirm their enrollment. Students will be notified through MaineStreet Message Center when the waiver/enrollment forms are available. Timely enrollment will initiate access to their insurance ID card and benefits on the effective date of the policy (January 1), thus maximizing the value of the policy.
For more information: https://www.uma.edu/compliance/student-insurance/
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Who can I work with to make the courses fit with
my graduation check sheet?
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We encourage students to make an appointment with UMA’s Academic Advising. For further guidance, please contact Tricia Dyer, Director of Advising, at 207.621.3144 or via email at triciad@maine.edu.
Costa Rica Travel dates+Info
Spring Break
March 13-21, 2020
Proposed Flight Info
Current flights roundtrip Boston to San Jose, Costa Rica
[ note flights could change ]
Depart Thurs 3/13
Dep. Boston 5am
Arr. San Jose, Costa Rica 12:45pm
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Return Sat 3/21
Dep. San Jose, Costa Rica, 10:20am
Arr. Boston 7:20pm
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Research by past alum
[ link to alumni research 2016 CUBA: Cultural Understanding Between the Arts]
Course
How do I sign-up?
To take this integrated course students apply for the SOC372E: Sociology of Culture: An Eco Lens on Costa. Once accepted students will be registered for both SOC372 and ART 109.
The non-refundable course fee will be attached to the SOC372E course.
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When does the class meet Spring 2020 ?
The classes meet primarily online, with noon to 6pm in-person meetings on four Fridays (1/31, 2/21, 3/6, & 5/1). Some of the course material and work for the course is completed online.
In addition, optional meetings will be held on most Fridays in Augusta with discussion, group activities, and travel discussions.
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What kinds of assignments will we do?
The assignments for this course (in additional to weekly readings) include projects like photo/video, book making and web exercises, writing exercises, etc.
The final project in both courses will be a book with images and text developed in both courses.
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How will I be graded?
You will receive a separate grade for each class that is based on assignments for that class as well as your overall participation in the integrated experience. During our travel, you will be expected to keep a journal, participate in evening debriefing activities, and report on your experience upon your return.
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How can I Find Out More?
Come to one of our informational sessions, or contact Robert Rainey at robert.rainey@maine.edu.