Learning does not always take place in a classroom. Some of the most exciting learning experiences a student can have are through field studies or classes held off campus that involve travel and exploration of nature or learning a language and culture in another country. Here are four examples of the interesting off campus classes that Modesto Junior College has to offer this summer.
Point Reyes trip offered Field Studies offered
Modesto Junior College will offer the opportunity to study the marine and coastal environment along the Point Reyes National Seashore as a Biology Field Studies class this summer. The 1.5 unit class will be led by biology professors Catherine Greene and Teri Curtis and will take place June 9 - 12, 2008.
Participants will experience the natural beauty of a pristine coastal area while discovering the rich diversity of wildlife at Point Reyes. During the four-day, three-night field studies course students will hike to the coastline and kayak on Tomales Bay, observing plants and animals of woodland and marine environments. The Clem Miller Environmental Center located within Point Reyes National Seashore will serve as the group's field station.
To enroll, participants must register for both Biology 151X-Section 0967 and Biology 151A-Section 0968. Current MJC students may register now via touchtone phone at 549-7000 or online at http://www.mjc.edu/ using PiratesNet. In addition to the $20 per unit cost, there is an additional $200 fee to cover food, lodging, transportation and course activities. Anyone not currently enrolled at MJC may take the class by first submitting an MJC application online at http://www.mjc.edu/ or in the Admissions Office on campus, and will have to pay $15.50 to cover the summer health fee and other miscellaneous student fees.
For more information on the Point Reyes Field Studies trip, contact Teri Curtis at 575-6775, curtist@mjc.edu or Catherine Greene at 575-6783, greenec@mjc.edu.
Study Spanish in Mexico for four weeks
MJC is again sponsoring a one-month summer program to study Spanish in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Participants in the program will live with a Mexican family from June 13 to July 13, 2008 while they study at the Spanish Language Institute and immerse themselves in Mexican culture. This MJC program offers the opportunity to travel, study and earn transferable college units - all for approximately $2,200.
Cuernavaca is in the heart of Mexico, an hour south of Mexico City by bus. The tranquil city enjoys a year-round "eternal spring" climate. The city offers beautiful garden restaurants, dance clubs, sports activities, central plazas teeming with people and vibrant music, and a wide range of lively cultural events.
Native Mexican instructors offer personalized instruction in small classes, using a conversational approach that will help students learn to speak Spanish naturally in real-life situations. The Institute also arranges for optional guided excursions to many places of interest, including the pyramids at Teotihaucán, the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, the Ballet Folklórico, the Frida Kahlo Museum, Taxco, Puebla, Xochicalco, Cholula y Acapulco and the Archeological Zone.
People interested in learning or improving their Spanish are encouraged to sign up for this unforgettable experience in Cuernavaca. For more information contact Spanisr Laura Manzo, (209) 575-6462, manzol@mjc.edu or Marianne Franco, (209) 575-6187, francom@mjc.edu. For more information on the Spanish Language Institute visit their website at: http://www.sli-spanish.com.mx/
Anyone not currently enrolled as a student at MJC must first fill out a college application prior to registering for these courses. Applications and class schedules are available online at http://www.mjc.edu/ and on both college campuses. MJC students can register for classes online or via touchtone phone. For more information on becoming an MJC student call the Welcome Center at 575-6789.
American Southwest explored in two-week Geology-Anthropology summer course
Have you ever wished you could hike in the Grand Canyon, stand under a natural arch, explore rivers in the depths of 2,000 feet deep canyons, or search for ancient pueblo ruins in the wilderness? Have you ever wanted to search for dinosaur bones and other fossils, petrified wood, gemstones or volcanic rocks?
You can do all this and more during Modesto Junior College's joint course Geology 174 and Anthropology 174 - Field Studies in the American Southwest which takes place from June 15 to June 29.
The 3-unit class offers an exploration of the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Mesa Verde and Great Basin National Parks, and numerous monuments and state parks. For more information contact class instructors Garry Hayes, professor of geology, at 575-6294 or via e-mail at hayesg@mjc.edu) or Susan Kerr, professor of anthropology, at 575-6107 or via e-mail at kerrs@mjc.edu.
Geology of the High Sierra offered
MJC is offering an opportunity to explore the geology of the Sierra Nevada mountain range this summer in a new 1-unit field trip class entitled Geology of the High Sierra. Noah Hughes, professor of earth science, will teach this Geology 171 course that includes a three-day trek in the mountains on July 11-13, as well as a mandatory meeting on July 9, 6 - 8 p.m. in Science 134 on East Campus.
Participants will be surrounded by the spectacular terrain of the Sierra Nevada while learning to uncover evidence of past geologic and climactic events in California. On this three-day trip, the class will hike and drive to a number of mountain sites and learn how to interpret geological history by carefully examining minerals, rocks, and other structures of the area. The class will discover that the Sierra reveals an intriguing past of ancient volcanoes, glaciers, rivers, and seas.
The 3-day excursion will include camping for two nights at Yosemite Community College District's High Sierra Institute at Baker Station near Dardanelles, California. Showers, restroom, and kitchen facilities will be available. For more information contact Noah Hughes at (209) 575-6800 or via email at hughesn@mjc.edu.
