SUMMER: May 25 – June 15 (approx.)This trip will NOT be offered in 2008, but is expected to go again in 2009.
Aspects of Tibetan cultural geography will be studied on-site in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and during a camping trip through agricultural valleys and pastoral mountains. Topics to be covered include Tibet’s rapidly changing urban centers, with focus on the traditional Tibetan neighborhoods of Lhasa, as well as the agricultural and religious geography of surrounding rural areas.
This course will be limited to 15 students, due to the rugged terrain we will travel through. Valley floors average 13,000 feet above sea level, and the alpine meadows begin at the limit of cultivation at about 15,000 feet. Some mountain passes above 16,000 feet will be crossed. Local Tibetans will serve as guides and supply yaks for carrying camping gear. Tents will also be provided, but participants should bring their own sleeping bags and sleeping pads (though all camping gear may be rented in Lhasa for small additional costs to each participant).
Application Deadline: February 15, 2009 -- although late applications may be taken. Contact the International programs Office on available space. Application requires a $250 deposit to secure a spot. Group limit is 15 students.
Go to the Applications page to find out how to get an application.
Most seminars are open to all majors and minors, not simply those whose field/s matches the department/s granting credit. For continuing UWSP students a minimum GPA of 2.25 is required.
Priority is given to regularly registered UWSP students, but students from other universities and community members are welcome to apply. All participants will be registered in a college course, for credit or audit at the same cost, and will be expected to participate in the program at an intellectual level.
We do work on a first come, first serve basis, so early registration is strongly advised. Priority is given to regularly registered UWSP and UW-System students, but others, may participate either for credit or as auditors on a space-available basis and at the same cost. All participants, whether students or auditors and regardless of age, must be able to participate in the program at the college level, and stand up to the considerable physical rigors of this course (carrying your luggage on public transit systems and extensive walking are common).
Geography of Asia 327/527 3 credits, GDR: SS1, NW
Study historical development and contemporary situation of human cultures and regions of Asia. Systematically explore interrelationships between population, ethnicity, economic activities and the environment in a geographic context. Pre-requisite: None. Pre-trip preparation and post-trip follow up will be part of the requirement for credit.
Graduate credit can also be arranged at an extra cost and requires a research project after the trip. Other Geography/Geology Independent Study options may be arranged with Dr. Ryavec. The course can also be audited at the same price, although students registering for credit are given priority for admission.
Dr. Karl Ryavec kryavec@uwsp.edu 715-346-4450
Dr. Karl Ryavec, UWSP Assistant Professor of Geography, is an active specialist in the geography of Tibet and China and has a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Minnesota. He is the director of the geography and GIS aspects of the Tibetan and Himalayan Digital Library (see www.thdl.org). He conducted the fieldwork for his Ph.D. in Tibet on land use change, is familiar with the places to be visited and welcomes questions from perspective students.
Approximately $4,195–$4,695 Estimation based on 15 participants
Cost Includes:
There is a $250 tuition surcharge for non-Wisconsin residents. Click here for latest price estimates
The itinerary is demanding, involving a lot hiking, climbing, carrying of one's own luggage, etc. Good physical condition is therefore imperative.
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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