Spring Semester
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has sponsored extraordinary study/travel programs to the South Pacific since 1983. The Spring Semester in New Zealand offers you the opportunity to experience perhaps the most beautiful country in the world. You will see the equivalent of the Alps of Switzerland, fiords of Norway, coastline of northern California, thermal areas of Yellowstone, and pastoral scenery of Scotland. With a bent toward natural resources issues, classes emphasize the ecology, culture, and geography of the "land of the white cloud" in affiliation with the University of Canterbury in Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island.
Application Deadline: April 1, in the prior academic year for guaranteed consideration; though late applications are sometimes taken. Please check with the International Programs Office for information on available positions. The program is limited to 20 students.
Go to the Applications page to find out how to get an application.
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors from all disciplines. Preference is given to upperclassmen. Academic fit, maturity, motivation, and preparation are important.
Cost Includes:
Plan your budget to cover passport, personal expenses during your break period. *Cost based on 20 participants.
Click here for latest price estimates
Midwest and return; Australia (10 days), and New Zealand (approx. 15 weeks). Individual flight returns are possible with several stop options: Fiji, Cook Islands, and Los Angeles.
A variety of site related courses will be offered that can be used to fulfill General Degree Requirements. Opportunities are available for independent studies.
Leader for 2010: Dr. Jennie Lane
Jennie Lane is Director for the Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP). In addition to her work with KEEP, Jennie serves on the executive committee with the Board of Directors for the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. She taught at a teachers' college in Thailand during her Peace Corps service, in the public school systems in New York City and Lewiston, Maine, and at UW-Stevens Point. She received her BS in biology from Florida Southern College and Master’s degrees from Columbia Teachers College and the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. She earned her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from UW-Madison.
*The following courses are tentative. Please check with the International Programs office for the most current course offerings.
ANTHROPOLOGY 338 - Peoples of the Pacific 3 credits, GDR: SS1 (NW)
Ethnological survey; the cultural organization of Pacific societies and the significance of social change. This course is intended to introduce students to the peoples and cultures of the islands of the South Pacific. A particular focus of the course is on the way in which traditional societies are changing under the influence of migration, economic developments, foreign aid, military experimentation, and the demonstration effect of Western styles of life.
ENGLISH 383 ‑ Themes in the Contemporary Literature of New Zealand 3 credits, GDR: HU2
Works of several writers, demonstrating a theme or related themes. This course is an investigation into contemporary writing by focusing on issues, themes, and preoccupations such as identity, landscape, urban, and bucolic literature, mateship, feminism, indigenous peoples, and multiculturalism in New Zealand since 1900.
GEOGRAPHY 350 - Physical Geography of New Zealand 3 credits, GDR: NS
Examine basic physical environmental processes that form and drive the physical environment of New Zealand and resulting geographic environmental patterns. How human activities affect and are affected by natural systems. Develop geographic skills through lab and field work. May require field trips.
INTERNATIONAL STUDIES 300 - International Study Tour: Australia and New Zealand 2 credits, Required
Analyze social, cultural, economic, and political conditions through on-site tours and lectures with appropriate study and writing. Lectures and field trips to introduce students to plants, animals, geology, marine ecology, culture, and history of Sydney, New South Wale, Australia/New Zealand. Australian segment of the program is coordinated by the Macquarie University in Sydney. New Zealand study tours include the North and South Islands. Letter grade based on attendance at all scheduled activities and oral/written assignments.
INTERNATIONAL STUDIES 381 - Culture and Civilization: New Zealand 3 credits, Required, GDR: HU4
Advanced survey within a specific country or region. Subtitle designates country or region. May repeat with different subtitle. Topics may include New Zealand's language, literature, art, recreation, mass communication, Maori culture, "Kiwiana," etc.
NATURAL RESOURCES 478 – Environmental Issues Investigation and Action. 3 cr.
Rationale and strategies for investigating environmental issues at local, state, regional, or national levels; select and implement actions to resolve issues through political, economic, legal, educational, and lifestyle avenues. Group project. Prereq.: Completion of any EL GDR course or consent of instructor, open to all majors. (II)
PHILOSOPHY 380 – Environmental Ethics. 3 cr. GDR: HU3 & EL
Philosophical, religious, and scientific concepts and values that have structured human attitudes toward the natural environment.
POLITICAL SCIENCE 490 - Selected Problems in Political Science: New Zealand and the Pacific Rim. 3 credits
Examine problems in political thought or political activities. Provides an introduction to New Zealand's history, constitution, monarchy, elections, parliament, Maoris, women's rights, international relations with the U.S. and other Pacific nations, as well as the politics and society of Polynesia.
WELLNESS 199 A/A - Independent Study 1 credits, GDR: WL A/A
Obtain standardized forms and requirement packets from the International Programs Office.
INDEPENDENT STUDY Make sure we have appropriate documentation: a complete, carefully written outline of your project on our Independent Study form, signed by instructor and Department Chair by December 1. Detailed Independent Study forms are available in the International Programs Office. Independent Study credits are taken in addition to the 14-credit minimum.
Up to ten weeks before the start of the program, all fees except the initial $250 deposit will be refunded. After the time, tuition, airline, tour costs and housing charges are assessed. If the program would be cancelled, all fees will be refunded. Because exchange rates and airline prices fluctuate, International Programs reserves the right to cancel, surcharge, or to alter the program.
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