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Rooted in the belief that one of the best ways to study the
environment is to be out in it, the Environmental Studies program provides opportunities to
study natural areas intensively by actually going to those areas for extended
periods. These courses have been offered:
The Natural History of Mt. Mitchell and the Black Mountains
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Coastal Ecosystems
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Topics included the flora and fauna, geological history,
ecology, and environmental issues of swamps, long leaf pine
savannahs, pocosins, Carolina bays, salt marshes, maritime
forests, and beaches of the South Carolina coast.
The Natural History of the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park
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Topics included old growth forests, elk reintroduction,
biodiversity, flora and fauna of the Smokies, and the impact of
exotic pests and air pollution.
The Environmental Perspectives and Cultural History of
the Cherokees
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Topics
included the medicinal use of plants, land use ethics,
construction of housing using native materials, hunting tools
and techniques, and the impact of casinos on the Cherokee
culture. In addition to discussing these topics with Cherokee
elders, students visited the Cherokee Historical Museum, the Oconaluftee Village, and the outdoor drama "Unto These
Hills," which chronicles the story of the "Trail of
Tears."
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Other field study courses in
development will focus on Chimney Rock/Hickory Nut Gorge and the
Grandfather Mountain Biosphere Preserve.
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