Yellowstone
Visit Yellowstone
Earn College Credit
Space still available for this year's class. Sign up now!
Class meets from August 2nd through August 7th.
Humans do not merely experience places, things and events, they interpret them using culturally defined concepts, values and world views. Join Dr. Donald Blakeslee for this week long workshop and experience one of the most spectacular spots on this planet----Yellowstone National Park.
There you will deal with the concept of wilderness, both as defined in the western tradition and as defined by Plains Indians. During the week, you will contrast the experiences of ordinary tourists, the interpretations of the Yellowstone area as presented by the National Park Service, and some of the ways that Native Americans interpreted the same phenomena.
Class convenes Sunday, August 3th at Grant Village in Yellowstone Park and will camp there for a week. We will take hikes every day, beginning with short ones and extending them as the week progresses. We will visit thermal features, lakes, waterfalls, rapids, canyons, valleys and mountains. Participants will experience scenery, wildlife, flora, colors, sounds & aromas. Evenings will be spent discussing these phenomena and attempting to explore different ways of interpreting them.
One evening will be devoted to observing the sky (weather permitting).
This course is offered through the Anthropology department of Wichita State University as ANTHRO 750: Wilderness Workshop for three hours of college credit. Students are required to write a paper (due Nov.1) based on their experiences and readings.
In addition to the per credit hour fee there is an extra $250 fee payable before departing for Yellowstone. This fee pays for materials, camping fees, park entry fees and for most of your meals while in the park. You will be responsible for a few misc. meals and your transportation to/from Yellowstone. Car pooling may be available and is highly encouraged.
Persons accompanying you that are not taking the class for credit are also required to pay the $250 fee and obtain approval of the instructor to attend.