Deep in the Delta: Wintersession in Vietnam
The University of Montana
December 26, 2014 to January 19, 2015
Course Title and Listings (6 semester credits combined)
ENST 437: Climate Change Effects and Adaptation in the Mekong Delta (3 credits)
Co-requisite Course:
ENST 427: Society, Economy and Environment of the Mekong Delta (3 credits)
Instructors
Dr. Nicky Phear, Climate Change Studies. Several professors from Can Tho University will also
provide major contributions to the program, as indicated in the itinerary.
Course Description and Learning Objectives
This travel seminar course integrates two co-requisite courses: Climate Change Effects and
Adaptation in the Mekong Delta and Society, Economy and Environment in the Mekong Delta.
The goal of the program is to use the Mekong Delta case to explore the potential social,
economic and environmental impacts of climate change in a tropical, developing country
context. Adaptation strategies and mitigation opportunities will be emphasized, and comparisons
will be made with the North American context.
Vietnam is an amazing country with welcoming people, a fascinating history and culture, warm
tropical climate, and diverse, but threatened, ecosystems and their associated flora and fauna.
The program will be based out of the city of Can Tho in the Mekong Delta, but include time in
Ho Chi Minh City and two weeks in the field visiting small and large scale agriculture and
aquaculture farming communities, wetlands, forests, Can Tho University agricultural and
mangrove management field experiment stations, and cultural sites (e.g. temples and a traditional
village). Field activities will include investigative learning through conversing with local people
and performing field research in Tram Chim National Park and mangrove forests in Ca Mau
Province. The program also includes a home stay with families in Can Tho.
ENST 437 Climate Change Effects and Adaptation in the Mekong Delta focuses on the
threats posed by climate change in Vietnam, with particular emphasis on the Mekong Delta
region. The goal of this course is to provide an understanding of the potential impacts of climate
change on the ecosystems and people of the Mekong Delta, and explore opportunities for people
to adapt to and mitigate these impacts.
Expected student learning outcomes include:
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Becoming familiar with future climate scenarios for Vietnam, particularly the Mekong
Delta region;
Understanding the scale and severity of potential ecological and socio-economic impacts
of climate change in the Mekong Delta;
Understanding the Vietnamese government position on climate change. What climate
change-related policies are in place and how is the government addressing the problem?;
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Understanding the level of knowledge, interest and concern that the people of Vietnam
have about climate change and their ideas about potential mitigation and adaptation
strategies;
Developing an understanding of the technical feasibility and economic efficiency of
potential adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect ecological health, livelihoods and
infrastructure in Vietnam; and,
Developing an appreciation of the similarities and differences in climate change impacts,
government policies, and potential adaptation and mitigation opportunities between
Vietnam and North America.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites, but eligible students must be accepted by the University of Montana
and be in good academic standing at their home institution.
Compulsory pre-departure meetings and course work
Students are required to attend three compulsory two-hour pre-trip meetings, one in October, one
in November and third in December, for an introduction to the program and to discuss
preparations for the trip. You should also be prepared for about twenty hours of pre-departure
coursework, including required readings and one required essay, to be written before the
program in Vietnam begins.
Required and Recommended Readings (available via Moodle by December 8)
Required pre-departure course readings (download onto your computer to take with you)
Required Texts:
Vietnam: A Natural History. (2006) E.J. Sterling, M.M Hurley, and Le Duc Minh. (New Haven
& London: Yale University Press); ISBN: 9780300126938 (paper).
Read or Watch before arriving in Vietnam:
1. Vietnam: Rising Dragon. (2011) by B. Hayton. (New Haven & London: Yale University
Press); ISBN: 9780300152036 (paper).
2. Vietnam Study Abroad Manual.
3. State Department Background Notes on Vietnam.
4. Waibel, M. (2008). Implications and challenges of climate change for Vietnam. Pacific
News. Nr. 29, January/February. 2 pages.
5. CARE International in Vietnam: Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation: A
Practitioner’s Handbook (skim)
Calculate your carbon footprint for this trip, and compare your yearly carbon footprint to that
of the average Vietnamese. Here is one potential site for calculating your carbon footprint:
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http://www.clearskyclimatesolutions.com/calculator.html, which comes from the Missoulabased organization, ClearSky Climate Solutions.
Readings for Dec 27 to Dec 31, 2014:
6. “Introduction to Vietnam” in Vietnam: A Natural History. (2006) E.J. Sterling, M.M Hurley,
and Le Duc Minh. (New Haven & London: Yale University Press), 1-21.
7. “Humans and the Environment” in Vietnam: A Natural History. (2006) E.J. Sterling, M.M
Hurley, and Le Duc Minh. (New Haven & London: Yale University Press), 23-43.
Readings for Jan 1 – 8, 2015 in Can Tho
8. “Biogeography of Vietnam” in Vietnam: A Natural History. (2006) E.J. Sterling, M.M
Hurley, and Le Duc Minh. (New Haven & London: Yale University Press), 45-69.
9. “Southern Vietnam: Ascendancy of the Mekong” in Vietnam: A Natural History. (2006) E.J.
Sterling, M.M Hurley, and Le Duc Minh. (New Haven & London: Yale University Press),
261-313.
10. Ninh, L.K. Climate Change in the Mekong River Delta. PowerPoint presentation given to
UM Vietnam Wintersession class, January, 2011.
11. Sanh, N. V. Sustainable Development and Issues of Climate Change to the Mekong Delta.
PowerPoint presentation given by Dr. Chiem to UM Vietnam Wintersession class, January,
2011.
Readings for Jan 9 - 12, 2015: Field Trip to Soc Trang, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau, U Minh Thuong
12. Field Trip Background Information on Soc Trang, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau, Va Kien Giang.
13. “Threats to Vietnam’s Biodiversity” in Vietnam: A Natural History. (2006) E.J. Sterling,
M.M Hurley, and Le Duc Minh. (New Haven & London: Yale University Press), 315-347.
14. Adger, W.N. (1999). ‘Social vulnerability to climate change and extremes in coastal
Vietnam’, World Development, 27(2): 249-269.
15. Kelly, P.M. and Adger, W.N. (2000). ‘Theory and practice in assessing vulnerability to
climate change and facilitating adaptation’, Climatic Change, 47(4): 325-352. An application
to coastal Vietnam.
Readings for Jan 13 - 17, 2015: Can Tho, Field Trip to An Giang Province & Tram Chim
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16. Nga, T.T. Wetland Lecture Intro. PowerPoint presentation given to UM Vietnam
Wintersession class, January, 2011.
17. Do, T.N. and Bennett, J. (2009). ‘Estimating wetland biodiversity values: a choice modeling
application in Vietnam’s Mekong River Delta’, Environment and Development Economics,
14(2): 163-186.
18. Erwin, K.L. (2009). ‘Wetlands and global climate change: the role of wetland restoration in a
changing world’, Wetlands Ecology and Management, 17(1): 71-84. The Mekong Delta
features in this paper.
Additional Recommended Readings:
19. Speech by H.E. Mr. Cao Duc Phat, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Head of
Viet Nam’s Delegation at the Joint High-Level Segment of the United Nations Climate
Change, 10 December 2010. 2 pages.
20. The Copenhagen Diagnosis. (2009). Updating the World on the Latest Climate Science. I.
Allison, N.L. Bindoff, R.A. Bindschadler, P.M. Cox, N. de Noblet, M.H. England, J.E.
Francis, N. Gruber, A.M. Haywood, D.J. Karoly, G. Kaser, C. Le Quéré, T.M. Lenton, M.E.
Mann, B.I. McNeil, A.J. Pitman, S. Rahmstorf, E. Rignot, H.J. Schellnhuber, S.H. Schneider,
S.C. Sherwood, R.C.J. Somerville, K. Steffen, E.J. Steig, M. Visbeck, A.J. Weaver. The
University of New South Wales. 64 pages.
21. Parry, M.L., Canziani, O.F., Palutikof, J.P., van der Linden, P.J and Hansen, C.E. (eds)
(2007), Contribution of Working Group II to the Fourth Assessment Report of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 2007, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Read a) Chapter 6: Coastal Systems and Low Lying Areas (pp. 317-345) and b) Chapter 10:
Asia (pp. 471-497).
22. Dasgupta, S., Laplante, B., Meisner, C., Wheeler, D. and Yan, J. (2009). The impact of sea
level rise on developing countries: a comparative analysis, Climatic Change, 93(3-4): 379388. Especially the section on East Asia, where Vietnam gets special treatment.
23. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. (2008). National target program to respond
to climate change. 111 pages.
24. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. (2003). Viet Nam Initial National
Communication: Under the United Nations framework Convention on Climate Change. 135
pages.
25. European Union provides over 6 million USD to tackle climate change in the Mekong Delta.
http://www.mrcmekong.org/news-and-events/news/the-european-union-provides-over-6million-usd-to-tackle-climate-change-in-the-mekong/.
26. David Wheeler. Quantifying Vulnerability to Climate Change: Implications for Adaptations
Assistance. Center for Global Development Working Paper 240, January 2011.
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Readings: Course readings can be accessed via the links provided above and will be available
electronically through Moodle by December 8, 2014. Please download these readings onto your
computer and print any for which you would like hardcopies. Please contact Nicky with any
questions or difficulties downloading or printing the readings. Make sure you do the required
pre-departure readings before arriving in Ho Chi Minh City. Please bring with you to Vietnam,
the required text, Vietnam: A Natural History.
Required post-trip activities and assignments
Students and the University of Montana instructors will meet early in Spring semester for a twohour de-brief and final synthesis of the program. You should also be prepared for about ten
hours of final coursework to complete course assignments once you return from Vietnam.
Computers
While we are in Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City we will have access to hotel wireless internet
connection and internet cafes. This level of access should be sufficient for keeping in touch with
friends and family via email, as well as submitting your written work to Prof. Phear via email.
You are strongly encouraged to bring along a laptop computer if you do have access to one,
as we will do this class as a paperless course. Please always keep your laptop with you in your
carry-on luggage while travelling, and be sure to bring a power adapter.
Assessment
The following table outlines the assessment for the program. There are five assessment items
(including two response essays).
Item
Response essays:
1) Impact of climate change on Vietnam’s coastal and lowlying areas
2) Livelihoods and Climate Change. Choose one of the
following three topics:
a. Agriculture and aquaculture livelihoods
b. Tourism in Vietnam
c. Mangrove ecology and fishing communities
2) Responding to climate change
(Complete upon return to U.S. after Vietnam program
and email to instructor)
Field Notes
4 Speaker Responses
Participation
Date
%
course
grade
8 January
20
13 January
20
23 January
20
23 January
15
23 January
20
5
5
Response essays
Each response essay will require students to answer a series of questions drawing from lecture
notes, readings, and field experiences. There is a 700-800 word limit for each essay. References
including personal communications (e.g. from professors and local people) and information
available from field trips are encouraged, as well as the readings on reserve. These should be
cited within the paper in the author-date style and listed in a references section at the end of the
essay. References are in addition to the 700-800 word limit. Papers should be emailed to the
instructor by the due dates listed below.
January 8:
1) Climate change impacts on Vietnam’s coastal and low-lying areas. Detail current
sensitivity and vulnerability, future trends in terms of impacts and vulnerabilities, and adaptation
and mitigation options.
January 13:
2) Livelihoods and climate change. Choose one of the following three topics:
a. Agriculture and aquaculture livelihoods. Choose one agriculture or aquaculture
livelihood in the Mekong Delta: describe the land use practice and the predominant
environmental and economic sustainability issues; discuss also the potential impact of
climate change and one potential adaptation strategy.
b. Tourism in Vietnam. Discuss the importance of tourism for local livelihoods and the
economy of the Mekong Delta; describe at least one important tourism site and the
potential climate change impact on this site.
c. Mangrove ecology and fishing communities. Describe the ecology and ecosystem
services of the mangroves ecosystems, discuss current conditions resulting from
anthropogenic change to the Delta, compare farming systems that do and do not integrate
mangrove management, and explain one implications of climate change.
January 23:
3) Responding to climate change. Drawing on course learning: What are the key impacts and
vulnerabilities facing Vietnam? What is your sense for local understanding and perception of
climate change impacts? What options does the country have for mitigating and adapting to
climate change? What role and responsibility does the USA have and the world at large?
Field Notes
Students are expected to keep a series of field notes from observations during the field trips
Guidelines for writing field notes will be provided separately.
Speaker Responses:
You will need to write a short 1-page response following four of our formal presentations
expressing 1) what was new and interesting to you about the presentation, 2) what (if any) was
the speaker’s perspective on climate change, and 3) what questions do you still have. I suggest
these speakers, but you can substitute with permission:
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•
•
•
•
Dr. Nguyen Huu Chiem, Sustainable development in the Mekong Delta
Dr. Nguyen Van Be, Manrove ecology and management, and climate change adaptation
models
Dr. Nguyen Huu Chiem, VACB Farms, biogas systems, and climate change
Dr. Le Anh Tuan, Climate change in the Mekong Delta and the work of the DRAGON
Institute
Lecture on Management Strategies and the Ecology of Tram Chim National Park
Do not fall behind on your field notes and speaker responses! They are due by email to Nicky at
the end of the week after the Vietnam portion of the class: 5:00 pm, January 25.
Participation
Active participation in all scheduled program–related activities is required, including group
meetings, discussions, field excursions, as well as lectures and any other scheduled activities.
Your participation grade will be based on both your academic and experiential participation. I
expect active engagement in class discussions, with course speakers and academic activities. I
also expect you to participate in the necessary practical aspects of the course, including respect
for local customs and culture, safety consciousness, following directions, and timeliness. Please
be conscious of being open to new perspectives and aware of judgments we carry from the USA.
Attendance and lateness policy
During the field studies, no student is to leave the group without the consent of a University of
Montana instructor, and punctual attendance at all field and on-campus meetings is required.
Unless an absence is approved by one of the instructors, students will lose 10% of their final
grade for each day or part-day they fail to participate. Any unexcused absences or continued late
arrival to program activities may, at the discretion of University of Montana instructors, be
grounds for dismissal from the program.
Permission must be obtained in advance to turn in any assignment late. A standard policy of
subtracting 10% per day late (or part of day late) is fair to everyone (students, instructors, and
administration).
Some things to consider when preparing for the trip:
Climate
This trip is taking place during Vietnamese dry season (some locals refer to this period as
“winter”); the most comfortable time of year for outdoor activities in the Mekong Delta. The
average daily minimum and maximum temperatures in Can Tho in January are 22ºC (72ºF) and
28ºC (82ºF), respectively. The average daily humidity in January is 71% and average monthly
precipitation is about two inches (compared to 89% and 19 inches in August!). Nevertheless,
accept that you are probably going to be hot and sticky whenever you are moving around
outside. Drink plenty of water. These conditions also make it important to bathe regularly and
not to let dirty clothes accumulate in piles. Keep ahead of your laundry pile by washing clothes
regularly and hang dirty clothes to air out if you are not washing them right away, or use the
laundry services at the Guesthouse.
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Medication and immunization
Visit your doctor, the Curry Health Center, or the Missoula County Health Clinic to find out
what vaccinations you may require before travelling to Vietnam, and medication to prevent
contracting malaria (such as Malarone) and for treating an upset stomach (such as
Azithromycin). You should seriously consider being immunized against typhoid, hepatitis A,
hepatitis B, meningitis, Japanese encephalitis, tetanus and polio.
Dress code
In general, Vietnam has a conservative dress code. Dress code laws do not appear to be strictly
enforced in Vietnam, but regulations governing Vietnam’s historic sites and tourist attractions
state that, “Entry is forbidden to tourists wearing sleeveless shirts or shorts”. At universities and
cultural sites and other tourist attractions, plan to wear long pants or longer skirts or dresses.
Long or short-sleeve shirts are acceptable. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not acceptable. Dirty
clothes are not acceptable.
When getting around Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho in your free time, shorts will generally be
acceptable, but consider where you plan to go and dress appropriately. Clothing that exposes the
belly button and shoulders are not appropriate anywhere.
For our field trips, long pants are recommended for men and women, but shorts will be
acceptable in many cases (check with the Can Tho University professors leading field trips).
Long or short-sleeved shirts will be acceptable. Your clothes will get dirty in the field and this
will be acceptable in rural areas
Homestay
In Can Tho, all students will enjoy a homestay experience for a few days with a local family.
Although we will be busy with other learning activities during your home stay, this experience
will help you to appreciate life and culture in Vietnam, and hopefully discover some things about
yourself. You will find your hosts to be friendly and open with you, but remember that to make
the most of your experience you will need to reciprocate and spend time with your family. You
will be expected to behave as a self-supporting adult member of the household. Be aware of and
sensitive to how your presence can contribute positively and negatively to the family. More
information about the homestay will be provided at a pre-departure meeting and in Vietnam.
In the field
Make sure you have with you each day:
 sturdy, closed-toed shoes;
 at least one liter of water (Avoid drinking tap water. We will be buying bottled water);
 field notebook, pencils/pens and a map of the Mekong Delta to get you oriented (you can
obtain from bookstores in Can Tho);
 hat, sunglasses and sunscreen;
 insect repellant (consider wearing light-colored, light-weight long sleeve shirts and long
pants if you are particularly concerned about insect bites);
 rain gear and a dry shirt;
 snacks to eat in between meals provided if you think you will need them;
 any medication or medical supplies you might require; toilet paper and hand wipes;
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binoculars and camera (optional).
Academic honesty
All academic work must meet standards of academic honesty (as described in the Student
Handbook). Each student is responsible for informing themselves about those standards before
performing any academic work. Academic dishonesty is not just copying the work of others, but
also includes such behaviors as tolerating the academic dishonesty of others or giving false
reasons for failure to take a test.
Your signature on any exam or name printed on any assignment indicates your acceptance of the
following policy: “I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this exam or
assignment.” Please give due credit to other people’s ideas by referencing or quoting the source.
Special accommodations
Any student with a disability who needs an accommodation or other assistance in this course
must contact the instructor at least four weeks before the program begins. After that time, we
cannot guarantee that such needs can be accommodated. Some activities involve moderate
exercise, such as hiking and swimming and participation is voluntary for all students. If you are
a vegetarian, please let the instructor know and we will do our best to accommodate you in
meals and let your family know for home-stays. Note: it is not always possible to have a
vegetarian option in some situations, such as when we are being hosted by a rural family. The
course instructor will try to let you know when this may be the case. It will be helpful for you to
carry some snacks or other foods you can eat in these circumstances.
Conduct regulations
All students must be familiar with the general conduct regulations described in the Student
Handbook. Below are other program-specific conduct regulations to which students must adhere.
Failure to obey these policies may result in dismissal from the program, at the discretion of the
Program Director.
Student Conduct in Accommodation: Our program depends on goodwill between us and
accommodation owners and managers, including homestay families. If we have any issues with
unpleasant or noisy conduct in the accommodations, it creates problems when we attempt to
book for the students in the NEXT program. Thus, for the sake of the students that follow you,
improper conduct in the accommodations that disturb other guests or the staff or cause damage
are not acceptable and can be grounds for dismissal from the program.
Conduct in the Field: Students must follow the instructions of staff exactly and promptly when
in the field. This is a serious safety issue when we are doing outdoor activities in particular.
Failure to follow instructions that incur actual or likely physical harm to self or others, or result
in time wasted by the staff or other students may, at the discretion of the Program Director, be
grounds for dismissal from the program.
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