DEL-MEM students have an opportunity to take field courses as an elective during their time in the program. These courses give students a chance to travel and learn more about an environmental topic in an immersive experience.
Rebecca Vidra, director of the Duke Environmental Leadership program, explains more about what the courses are, how students can benefit from them, and her experience leading the course in Kaua鈥檌.
1. What are field courses, and what are a few examples of previous topics/locations?
Field courses focus on a range of topics and locations, taking advantage of our faculty expertise and connections. While they are just some of the electives we offer, most students will participate in at least one field course during their time in the program.
A sampling of field courses that have been offered in previous years:
- Community-based ecosystem management in Oaxaca, Mexico
- Restoration ecology in Kaua鈥檌
- Sustainable development in Chile
- Water crises and management in California
2. How can DEL-MEM students benefit from participating in an elective field course?
Being able to engage in-person with faculty and peers while in the field is a unique opportunity for a primarily online program. Being in the field is an immersive experience, providing students an opportunity to see how environmental leaders address issues within their organization, community, and region. These experiences are multi-faceted and explore the course topic from a range of perspectives in a particular place.
3. How do they differ from other DEL-MEM place-based sessions?
Field courses require travel to a specific location, in addition to regular online meetings. The place-based sessions are held in Durham, N.C., or Washington, D.C., and are required, while the field courses are optional electives for credit.
4. How do the optional travel courses fit in with the main DEL-MEM elective course offerings, and how are those chosen?
DEL electives, field courses or otherwise, are intentionally created to be relevant for environmental leaders. They foster opportunities to assess and enhance leadership skills, building confidence in critical and creative thinking, communication and collaboration.
5. Describe one of the most memorable experiences from a past course.
I lead the Restoration Ecology course on the North Shore of Kaua鈥檌, where I have been partnering with local community organizations for several years. We spend a week getting hot, muddy and wet as we participate in a variety of restoration activities. A highlight for me is meeting with environmental advocates who are working to protect Hanalei Bay from the triple threat of nutrient pollution, climate change, and tourism. They offer an inspiring vision for how to engage in community-based management and restoration of marine and terrestrial resources.