Course Information

RAST 212 / ES 212
Lake Baikal: The Soul of Siberia

Moore (Biological Sciences) and Hodge (Russian)

The ecological and cultural values of Lake Baikal - the oldest, deepest, and most biotically rich lake on the planet - are examined. Lectures and discussion in spring prepare students for the three-week field laboratory taught at Lake Baikal in eastern Siberia in August. Lectures address the fundamentals of aquatic ecology and the role of Lake Baikal in Russian literature, history, art, music, and the country's environmental movement. Laboratory work is conducted primarily out-of-doors and includes introductions to the flora and fauna, field tests of student-generated hypotheses, meetings with the lake's stakeholders, and tours of ecological and cultural sites surrounding the lake. This course does not count toward the minimum major in biological sciences. This course can count towards a concentration in environmental science or as an elective for the other concentrations. Students may register for either RAST 212 or ES 212 and credit will be granted accordingly. Not offered every year. Subject to Dean's office approval.


Prerequisite:

BISC 111, RUSS 101, and permission of the instructors.
(Preference will be given to students who have also taken HIST 211, formerly [105]. )


Distribution: Natural and Physical Science

Semester: Spring Unit: 1.25

Offered Spring 2007: W 6:30-9:00 pm

Course Format

 

Download 2001 Syllabus

Download 2003 Syllabus