This course delves into the issue of climate change in a location where its citizens have a unique understanding and perspective of the land. Newfoundland and Labrador government agencies acknowledge climate change as a serious environmental phenomena that is and could continue impacting its citizens. Through a cultural and biological lens, this course will demonstrate the connection between people, land, and sea.

During the spring semester, students will conduct country/regional case studies that investigate responses of Newfoundland or Labrador to recent changes in the natural world. Students will investigate plays written to explore peoples' relationships with nature and research some of the numerous playwrights of Newfoundland and the dominating themes about which they write. Course material will also explore biomes specific to the Newfoundland region, the culture of fisheries, and the locals’ respect for its creatures like whales and seals.

Traveling abroad in May 2016, faculty and students will have the opportunity to really engage in local culture through visits to The Suncor Energy Fluvarium, Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Gardens, a puffin boat tour, and Terra Nova National Park. The passion for preserving nature will be apparent in these visits as students explore Newfoundland and its natural riches. UNESCO World Heritage sites and a whale-watching tour may also be included!

This course may be most appropriate for students interested in nature; biology; climate change; the relationships between people, the environment, and the arts; and Canadian culture. The group will travel around Newfoundland in minivans driven by faculty and designated university volunteers.

To participate in this JBIP, students will register in either QLC 340 or 350, It’s Complicated: Humans & Nature, and will also be required to register for one of the other courses in the QLC (a total of 2 courses in the same QLC) in the Spring 2016 semester. One of the QLC courses can count as your JBIP and the other can either count as CORE 412 or another Gen Ed course.

This is an OPEN program.

*Itinerary and planned activities subject to change.*