HONR 3799A - Spec Tpc International Exper
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 43822,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Hannah Crites-Pickett
Email: hkcritespickett@ysu.edu
Presley Bowser
Email: plbowser@ysu.edu
Course Description
The design of this course is to provide students with experiential learning opportunities through the exploration of Bahamian culture on San Salvador Island. Through pre-departure academic research and immersive on-island observation, students will examine key cultural traditions, social practices, and community values, comparing scholarly perspectives with lived cultural experiences. The course further integrates environmental inquiry through the study of shells, sand, and coral reef organisms, allowing students to explore the interconnected relationship between the island’s natural environment, daily life, and cultural identity. Emphasis is placed on cultural awareness, reflection, and responsible engagement within the local community, fostering a deeper understanding of how culture and environment shape one another in an island context.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Readings Required |
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Tentative Course Schedule (Subject to Change)
| Week of | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|
| 8/25 | Introduction to the Bahamas FLSA Team Briefing Funding Your Education |
Review all FLSA resources and FYE resources and begin planning for trip funding. Begin working on your Island Site Spotlight Presentation and prepare for your assigned date (Final submission by Friday, December 4 by 11:59 PM) |
| 9/1 | Practical Information For International Travel/Study Experience Required University Student Forms |
Review packing list for trip based on years prior. Complete the following required forms: Emergency Medical Form, GRC Health Forms, Student Waiver and Assumption of Risk (YSU), Upload Proof of Passport, Complete STEP Program form |
| 9/8 | Student Panel Discussion Spotlight Series |
Make note of student panel advice for travel and add to packing list as needed. |
| 9/15 | History of the Bahamas Spotlight Series |
None |
| 9/22 | The Bahamas Today (Government, Economy, Religion) Spotlight Series |
None |
| 9/29 | People and Culture Spotlight Series |
None |
| 10/6 | Healthcare Spotlight Series |
None |
| 10/13 | Education Spotlight Series |
None |
| 10/20 | Physical Environment, Weather, and Climate Spotlight Series |
None |
| 10/27 | People and Culture Spotlight Series |
Exchange contact information with your group and begin working on your Cultural Exploration Project - Part 1: Cultural Investigation (Final submission by Friday, December 4 by 11:59 PM) |
| 11/3 | Cultural Exploration Project Group Work (in class) Spotlight Series |
Work session |
| 11/10 | Cultural Exploration Project Group Work (remote) | Work session |
| 11/17 | Cultural Exploration Project Group Work (remote) | Work session |
| 11/24 | NO CLASS – Have a nice break! | None |
| 12/1 | Pre-departure Meeting | Due 12/4 at 11:59pm: Island Site Spotlight Cultural Exploration Project - Pre-Departure Investigation (Phase 1) |
| 12/8 | Depart Pittsburgh On-site field experience on San Salvador Island (12/9 - 12/17) Return to Pittsburgh (12/17) |
Due 12/18 at 11:59pm: Cultural Exploration Project - Analysis (Phase 2) Cultural Exploration Project - Final Presentation (Phase 3) lms_1778528_1 Field Journal Community Engagement in San Salvador Class/Trip Attendance and Participation |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.