Environmental Protection and the
Politics of Land in Hawai'i
Summer 2009, June 22 - July 21
Program Description
This course offers an opportunity to investigate the complicated and consequential politics of land in Hawai'i. These politics are deeply influenced by two realities: (1) the central importance of tourism to the Hawaiian economy; and (2) the longstanding sovereignty claims of native Hawaiians. This four-week program, built upon a 5-credit spring quarter class, will address these issues through a combination of classroom instruction, frequent field trips, and collaborative independent research.
The economy of Hawai'i relies upon the ongoing attraction of tourists, who typically come to enjoy the warm climate and the spectacular landscape. However, the very environment that draws tourists can be negatively impacted by heavy use. Hawai'i thus faces a challenge in simultaneously marketing and protecting potentially sensitive environments. Further, Hawai'i faces on ongoing challenge from indigenous groups, many of whom wish greater control over land use.
Students will spend time at the two campuses of the University of Hawai'i, in Manoa on the island of Oahu, and in Hilo on the "big island" of Hawai'i. There, students will benefit from interaction with experts on Hawaiian politics, ecology and culture. Students will also spend time on the Kona coast on Hawai'i, engaged in a collaborative research exploration of Kealakekua Bay. This is where first contact between Europeans and native Hawaiians occurred - and where Captain James Cook was ultimately killed - and is currently a marine preserve that attracts thousands of tourists annually.
Program Credits
Students will receive 17 credits total (5 credits at UW during spring quarter and 12 during summer quarter). Credits will fulfill 15 credits of Honors civilization requirements and 2 credits of honors seminar. Students who are not part of the Honors Program may receive departmental credits in either Geography or Law, Societies, and Justice. Other credits may also be applicable. Contact Julie Villegas (villegas@u.washington.edu for more details.
Spring Quarter - 5 credits
This course will serve two key purposes. The first is to introduce many of the themes of the summer program, including: the role of tourism in the contemporary economy; the impact of heavy tourism on environmentally-sensitive areas; and the political processes that structure land use. The second is to practice collaborative research. The course will combine investigation of key conceptual issues with a collective project focused on the cruise ship industry in contemporary Seattle.
Summer - 12 credits
This course will combine classroom instruction at two University of Hawai'i campuses with collaborative research focused on the future of Kealakekua Bay. Frequent field trips at each location will enable exploration of the various aspects of the Hawaiian tourist industry and of ongoing conflicts over land and its uses. The program will culminate in a group assessment of how best to manage and oversee Kealakekua Bay. This assessment will include both a written document and a public presentation to an expert on marine preserves.
Program Cost
$3,750 per student. This includes tuition, lodging, transportation within Hawai'i, some meals, frequent excursions, and snorkel gear. This course fee does not include an IP&E concurrent enrollment fee ($250), airfare to and from Hawai'i (approx $600), food (approx $20-40/day), and personal spending money.
Financial Aid
Students may use their regular financial aid and scholarship funds for study abroad. The exception is any scholarship in the form of a tuition waiver. Tuition waivers cannot be used to pay study abroad program fees. You may want to check with the Office of Student Financial Aid in Schmitz Hall for more information.
There are funding opportunities through the Global Opportunities Program, and the Office of International Programs and Exchanges also maintains a funding opportunities list at http://www.ipe.washington.edu/forms/FundingOpportunities.pdf
Payment Schedule (including IPE fee)
(Coming soon)
Your student account will be automatically charged for all program payments and fees A limited number of scholarships will be available through IP&E as well as the Honors Office.
Refund Policy
The $350 deposit, as well as the $200-300 IPE fee are non-refundable. Any student withdrawing after March 27, 2009 will be liable for a percentage of the entire program fee. No part of the $3,750 fee is refundable once the program has begun. Notice of withdrawal from the program must be made in writing to the Honors Office and to the office of International Programs & Exchanges.
Travel
To Hawai'i
Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from Hawai'i. Act quickly to reserve the lowest fares; you may wish to explore budget fares offered on websites such as Travelocity and Expedia, as well as Council Travel on the Ave.
Program Directors
Steve Herbert, UW Co-Director
Steve Herbert is a Professor of Geography and Law, Societies, and Justice at the University of Washington. His teaching and research are focused largely on the geography of law and policing, and on environmental law and justice.
Katherine Beckett, UW Co-Director
Katherine Beckett is a Professor of Sociology and Law, Societies, and Justice at the University of Washington. Her teaching and research are focused largely on the politics of crime and social control, and the legal regulation of immigration.
Application Instructions
The Hawai'i faculty and the Honors Program will determine final acceptance. Students applying after February 6 will be admitted on a space-available basis.
Questions?
Please direct course content inquiries to:
- Steve Herbert ( skherb@u.washington.edu )
General questions about topics such as Honors graduation requirements and financial aid should be directed to:
- Julie Villegas (villegas@u.washington.edu)