Visions
of the American Environment
July 5-July 11, 2009
Director:
Patricia Limerick,
Professor of History,
University
of Colorado, Boulder
Led by Patty Limerick, this seminar uses focused case
studies to explore the larger picture of environmental
history, a subject that has grown increasingly complex
as historians deepen their understanding of the vast
role of “anthropogenic change” (also known
as “history”!) in reconfiguring the places
and processes we think of as “natural.”
Much of the seminar explores the transformation of attitudes,
from the assessment of North American landscapes and
resources by early settlers to the recognition of the
changing “baseline” of global warming, along
with a reconsideration—and revision—of the
usual polarity-pitting utilitarian approaches in opposition
to preservationist approaches to the management of nature.
With guest speakers drawn from the University of Colorado’s
widely respected environmental studies program, the
roles of naturalists and scientists in shaping American
thinking about nature will receive particular attention,
as will changes in the production and consumption of
energy, a fundamental matter in environmental history.
The concluding field trip to Rocky Mountain National
Park gives the themes of the lectures and discussions
a down-to-earth grounding in a visit to one of the most
popular units in the nation’s public lands, while
close attention to John McPhee’s Encounters
with the Archdruid provides a framework for drawing
lessons from the past to enhance the quality of contemporary
environmental decision-making.
Please find below important information regarding
Visions of the American Environment Summer Seminar.
READINGS
Readings are sent by the Institute to participants of
the seminar. Readings MAY include:
- Ted Steinberg, Down to Earth: Nature's Role
in American History (Second Edition). Oxford
University Press, 2008.
- Carolyn Merchant, Major Problems in American
Environmental History ( Second Edition). Houghton
Mifflin, 2006.
- John McPhee, Encounters with the Archdruid.
Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 1977.
TRAVEL
The University
of Colorado web site will provide you with all the
necessary information whether your plans are to drive
or fly.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Workshop participants will be housed in on-campus residence
halls. Participants will have single bedrooms but will
share bathrooms and common space on each floor. Some
participants may choose to bring laptops. The University
provides sheets and towels only. Please note that participants
should plan to bring fans, shower shoes, alarm clocks,
shampoo, hangers, irons, hair dryers, etc. Participants
will have access to computer clusters, but many choose
to bring laptops and ethernet cords
MEALS
Meals will be served on campus in dining halls shared
by other programs. All meals will be paid for by the
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
TEMPERATURE AND
CLOTHING
In July the temperatures range from the 60s in the evening
to the 80s and 90s during the day. Since it is difficult
to predict the weather, pack articles of clothing that
may be layered to accommodate a range of temperatures.
In case of rain, be sure to pack an umbrella. Dress
is casual during the day. Since you will be doing some
walking, be sure to pack a pair of comfortable walking
shoes and a head covering.
GRADUATE CREDIT
Pittsburg State University
(PSU) is pleased to offer graduate
credit to workshop participants at a tuition fee
of $199 per credit hour. Participants can receive three
graduate credit hours for the duration of the week.
For more information, including cost, please contact
Dr.
Kelly A. Woestman. Please note the enrollment deadline
is June 1, 2009. PSU has national NCATE
accreditation.
If you plan on transferring graduate credits please
ask your higher education institution if it will accept
transfers, especially toward degree programs.
ACADEMIC RESOURCES
The Gilder Lehrman Institute will arrange for computer
access and printer services to be available to participants
during the week. Throughout the workshop limited access
to campus computer labs and equipment for Internet research,
word processing, and printing will be provided. The
University of Colorado at Boulder's libraries will also
be available for research during evening hours. Classrooms
located at the University of Colorado at Boulder will
be used for workshops. These classrooms are equipped
with the technological capabilities to accommodate presenters
using a variety of media.
STIPEND
Participating teachers will receive a stipend of $400
to help cover travel expenses. All participants are
required to attend all workshop sessions to receive
full stipends. Participants who do not complete the
full tenure of the project will receive a reduced stipend.
We will present stipend checks to participants prior
to departure. Stipends are taxable. Reporting is the
responsibility of the participant.
QUESTIONS?
E-mail seminars@gilderlehrman.org
or call 646-366-9666.
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