The
world is our classroom.
Field and Experiential Learning is an academic program
at C.O.D. offering credit courses that combine classroom work with empirical
field experience. Classes are experience based/faculty facilitated. The
instructor's role is largely that of a facilitator who helps learning
take place. Courses are grouped into four categories: Weekend and Outdoor,
Natural Science, Social Science and Cultural, and International. Classes
may be taken in any order or combination.
Some students enroll to earn credit toward a degree or certificate; others
are interested in learning about or visiting a particular destination.
Still others are interested in learning outdoor or wilderness skills.
You are welcome, whatever your interests.
Natural Science field studies
courses focus on the relationship between human beings and their environment,
allowing participants to directly experience many of the concepts that
are a part of the related courses.
Weekend and Outdoor Adventure field
studies are usually taught over one weekend. Related readings or assignments
are frequently made before and after the field trip(s). Longer programs
may meet in class for most of a term, involve more than one course, and
involve more than one instructor. Many of these courses teach beginning
or intermediate level outdoor skills, or are interdisciplinary in nature.
Social Science and Cultural field studies focus
on the individual, the group, and the human condition. They allow participants
to directly experience many of the concepts that are a part of the related
courses. Check out any of the following programs: Aquatic Biology, offered
through the Shedd
Aquarium (click on Programs and Events, then on Adult Programs);
Botanical Art and Illustration, Home Landscape Horticulture, Naturalist
and Ornithology, all offered through Morton
Arboretum in Lisle; and our own Native
American Studies program.
International Learning Through Travel courses
include travel outside of the United States. Classes usually meet on campus
for significant periods before and after. Through the years, Field Studies
courses have been to seven continents and more than 70 countries.
Certificate Programs provide
integrated studies including field experience, classroom work, research,
and hands-on involvement. Completion of a Field Studies certificate program
requires a minimum number of credit hours earned in a prescribed range
of classes, supplemented by an internship or long-term project that may
involve working at a nature center, assisting researchers or independent
study. These offerings frequently involve cooperation between other institutions
and College of DuPage.
Our Staff (click
on photo)
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