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Panama (PNE) Program Links - 1 4265

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Panama: Development and Conservation

Coursework

The interdisciplinary coursework in the Panama: Development and Conservation program focuses on the environmental and sociocultural issues affecting the geography, culture, and development of Panama. Students examine the impact of human activity on the environment and the ways in which development and conservation practices can serve both human and environmental interests. Students participate in a variety of research and cultural activities throughout the semester and learn from researchers, professionals, practitioners, and other development and conservation specialists. During the final month of the semester, students leverage their field study experience and research skills to conduct an Independent Study Projects (ISPs). 

The following syllabi are from a recent or upcoming semester of this program. Because courses develop and change over time to take advantage of unique learning opportunities, actual course content varies from semester to semester. The syllabi can be useful for students, faculty, and study abroad offices in assessing credit transfer.  Learn more about credit transfer.

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Thematic Seminar

Development and Conservation Seminar
(ENVI 3000 / 4 credits / 60 class hours)

Course description:

• Tropical ecology
  Population and community ecology of flora, fauna, and microorganisms; biodiversity and conservation biology; canopy studies and plant physiology; forest dynamics; ecology of insect-plant relationships; bird behavior and ecology.
• Marine ecology and conservation
  Marine biodiversity and ecological systems; ecology and conservation of coral reef communities, mangrove forests, and tropical wetlands; preservation of marine turtle communities in the Bocas del Toro archipelago.
• Sustainable development
  Rural community forestry management; indigenous cultures and self-sufficient extractive economies; cultural values and perspectives on the environment; sustainable agriculture; grassroots organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and environmental issues; ecotourism, culture, and economics.
• Environmental and social issues in Panama
  Urban versus rural power dynamics; civil society and environmental values; governmental intervention; international debt; effects of globalization on class and poverty; park protection; conflicting perspectives on environmental problems and resources.

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Intensive Language Study: Spanish

Intensive Language Study: Intermediate Spanish I
(SPAN 2004 / 4 credits / 60 class hours)

Intensive Language Study: Intermediate Spanish II
(SPAN 2504 / 4 credits / 60 class hours)

Intensive Language Study: Advanced Spanish I
(SPAN 3004 / 4 credits / 60 class hours)

Intensive Language Study: Advanced Spanish II
(SPAN 3504 / 4 credits / 60 class hours)

Course description:

This course emphasizes speaking, reading, and writing skills through classroom and field instruction. Based on in-country evaluation, including oral proficiency testing, students are placed in intensive intermediate or advanced classes with further language practice in homestays, lectures, and field visits.

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Field Study Seminar

Environmental Field Study Seminar
(ENVI 3500 / 4 credits / 60 class hours)

Course description:

This course examines research methods in both the social and natural sciences. The main focus is on learning how to collect, analyze, integrate, and report social and ecological data to understand and evaluate program-related environmental issues.

This course also serves as an introduction to the Independent Study Project. Students learn about field study ethics and the World Learning/SIT Human Subjects Review Policy. Field studies, depending on program site and focus, may include: designing a research project, writing a research proposal, interviewing, surveys, and maintaining a field journal. Specific ecological field study methods may include: micro- and macro-habitat analysis, biotic sampling and analysis, fauna and flora identification, biodiversity monitoring, population analysis, and animal behavior.

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Independent Study Project

Independent Study Project
(ISPR 3000 / 4 credits / 120 class hours)

Course description:

Students conduct independent fieldwork in cloud forest highlands, coral reefs, lowland forests, urban areas, or other places appropriate to the topic. Sample topic areas include: comparative resource use of campesino and indigenous groups; regeneration of canopy emergents in primary forest; non-timber forest products and local use; sustainable agriculture; agroforestry; and ecotourism as a community development model.