COURSE SYLLABUS
Iceland: Perspectives and Realities of Climate Change
GEOG 452/GEOS 510 - 3 Credit Hours
Summer 2016
INSTRUCTORS
Name: Dr. Leslie North
Office: EST 438
Phone: 270-745-5982
E-mail: leslie.north@wku.edu
Name: Dr. Jason Polk
Office: EST 407
Phone: 270-745-5015
E-mail: jason.polk@wku.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The environmental changes brought about by human activity will
lead to increasing temperatures worldwide, altered biochemical cycles, and weather
extremes that become more and more difficult to predict, with unforeseeable social and
environmental consequences. The scale of global environmental change can lead some
individuals to a state of denial and others to a state of powerlessness wondering how a single
individual can effect the global climate and sustainability, or if the time for meaningful
changes to transpire is simply too long for an individual lifespan. Apathy similarly leads
people to wonder what makes the current episode of climate change different from previous
episodes of climate change and if the recent call for sustainability is as paramount as
described. In short, both topics are complex, intensely debated, and often misunderstood
from both the scientific and policy perspectives. In Iceland, the perception of climate change
(and more broadly sustainability) is unique to the population’s geographic location and
culture. This course is designed to explore the science of climate change, including the
geographical, physical, and environmental drivers causing major changes, as well as
applications and perceptions of sustainable living, particularly those related to energy and
water resource use. Additionally, this course will explore how the communication of climate
change science influences public perception about sustainability and the direction of
scientific research and policy development, and unravel the socio-economic impact of global
climate change in Iceland. Special emphasis will be placed on reflective thinking and writing,
science interpretation and communication, service-learning, and the practical application of
scientific findings to reaching sustainability goals. Iceland will serve as a “case study” for the
climate change and related sustainability challenges and opportunities faced by regions
throughout the world, including in Kentucky. This course is jointly run with the University of
Akureyri in Iceland and will require students to engage with their Icelandic counterparts.
This course requires participants to travel to Iceland as part of a Faculty-Led Study
Abroad program from May 22-June 6, 2016.
COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Students will learn about how climate change in the past is
different than today; the most common misconceptions about climate change in the modern
1|P a g e day; what factors cause climate changes on different time scales; how scientists use models
and observations to make predictions about future climate; global sustainability strategies in
the face of climate change; complexities in understanding the social and economic impacts of
climate change and sustainability; the relevance of the interpretation and communication of
climate change science; techniques for overcoming climate change and sustainability
misconceptions through education and communication; and Icelandic perceptions of what is
meant by living sustainably. We will focus on specific examples of current climate change
science and its interpretation in Iceland, which offers a diverse and ideal natural laboratory for
learning about concepts like the North Atlantic ocean circulation, glacial melting, sea-level
rise, volcanic influences, impacts of ocean acidification on fisheries, and proxy records of
climate change, as well as discerning cultural and political biases related to understanding
the scientific data and strategies for overcoming such biases through communication and
informal education. You will use the visited sites across the island as focal points for applying
critical thought from lecture and discussion, to real-world examples, and interact with each
stop on our journey as both a visitor and a member of the community.
Upon successfully completing this study abroad course, students will be able to:
• demonstrate a solid understanding of the dynamics of global climate system;
• effectively engage in a conversation about climate change;
• understand localities in global terms, i.e. how a locality is sustained through its global
interrelatedness;
• understand and appreciate the differences in culture, perception, and landscape
context through immersion in Iceland;
• critically examine different approaches to sustainability;
• explain the consequences, risks, and uncertainties of climate change;
• interpret and critically evaluate scientific data and implemented policies related to
global climate change, particularly those implemented in Iceland;
• understand a wide array of sustainable strategies for preventing and/or minimizing
the negative effects of global environmental change;
• learn effective strategies for communicating about climate change;
• describe biases/misconceptions about climate change science and sustainability, the
reasons these misconceptions exist, and strategies for overcoming them;
• employ both written and oral reflections in the development of a meta-cognitive
model that will guide their learning and assist them in becoming lifelong learners;
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Printed and digital course materials will be provided for the course
in the form of scientific articles, videos, book chapters, websites, popular literature, and other
media. These will be provided before the trip departure. Once distributed, students will be
responsible for the safe-keeping of the course materials and for bringing them to Iceland.
Other readings will be driven by students. Students will be required to submit two scholarly
articles about an assigned topic. These articles will be added to the list of required readings in
preparation for the program.
2|P a g e RECOMMENDED TEXT: The following two textbooks are recommended for this course. These
textbooks provide background information in climate change science, which will help to
maximize learning during field experiences.
• Archer, David and Rahmstorf, Stefan. 2010. The Climate Crisis: An Introductory Guide
to Climate Change. Cambridge University Press, 249 p. Available on Amazon for
approximately $35 or less.
• Mann, M. E. and Kump, L. R. 2009. Dire Predictions: Understanding Global Warming.
Available on Amazon for approximately $12 or less. Also available as a Kindle
GRADING: Expectations of students in this course are high. The grade of ‘A’ is reserved for
students who consistently produce excellent work, contribute regularly and meaningfully to
both discussions and activities, and engage productively in field experiences. A standard 10point grading scale (90-100=A, 80-89=B, etc.) will be used.
Students will be required to complete the assignments listed below during this course. Each
of the five course assignments/components will have equal weight (20%) when calculating
final course grades.
1. Pre-Departure Meetings: Students are required to attend three pre-departure meetings. At
least one of these meetings will be on a Saturday and will last from approximately 9am to
5pm. These meetings are considered part of the course work, and are designed to give
students the scholarly content related to the course subjects, logistics information, and predeparture information necessary to have a successful, productive, and rewarding experience.
2. Attendance and Participation (In Iceland): Students are required to actively and
meaningfully participate in all scholarly activities assigned by the instructors as related to this
course. Grade deductions will be made for each missed class meeting and activity or late
arrival, unless faculty pre-approves an absence. A minimum of 1 letter grade will be deducted
for each missed or late activity. Factors included in participation grading will include personal
reflections, participation in all activities, inquisitiveness in course content and activities,
demonstration of critical thinking, and following all rules and regulations of the program. The
QUALITY of contributions to class discussions and engagement in course field experiences
will factor heavily into the calculation of the course participation portion of student grades.
Students will be expected to show active and productive engagement and critical thinking in
the course for the entirety of the study abroad experience. You are expected to come to each
field experience prepared, having read any assigned readings and ready to engage in activity.
In short, students are expected to be active and engaged in “owning” their experience!
3. Fieldbook: You will maintain a fieldbook for the entirety of the program. You will record
information from lecture/discussion, observations made while in the field, and
science/communication questions you have regarding each stop. This will be a compilation
assignment, wherein you will complete this each day and turn in the final product at the end
of the program. Detailed guidelines out how to write and maintain a fieldbook will be
3|P a g e provided separately. Students will be expected to present their fieldtrip to the instructors
midway through the course for partial evaluation.
4. Final Reflection: At the conclusion of the program, students will write a reflection of the
experience as guided by a series of question prompts. This reflection can take many forms, so
each student will meet with the faculty leaders to discuss his or her final reflection prior to the
completion of the course. The instructors will provide detailed guidelines for the final
reflection during the program. The final reflection will be due after returning to the US.
5. On-Site Community Presentation: From this, students will work in groups to develop a
presentation on climate change science and interpretation based on the places visited,
readings assigned, reflections, and discussions. Groups will present this in a public forum to
students/faculty of the University of Akureyri and community member of Akureyri, Iceland.
More details will be provided during the trip.
Late and Missed Assignments/Activities will be accepted at the instructors’ discretion. If a late
assignment is accepted, the equivalent of a full letter grade will be deducted each day. Grades
of Incomplete (X) will be assigned only if all but a small portion of the coursework is left
incomplete by the student and the inability to complete the course is due to circumstances
beyond the control of the student. An “X” is given at the instructor’s discretion.
Academic dishonesty of any type will not be tolerated and appropriate penalties will be faced
by anyone who violates this policy. WKU adheres to a strict policy against plagiarism and
cheating (see Scholastic Dishonesty Code in your Handbook). Student work may be checked
using plagiarism detection software. All academic work of a student must be his/her own.
One must give any author credit for source material borrowed. To lift content directly from a
source without giving credit is a flagrant act. To present a borrowed passage without
reference to the source after having changed a few words is also plagiarism. Other examples
of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, allowing other students to copy your
work and using work from previous semesters.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE, COURSE WITHDRAWAL, AND REFUNDS: Please refer to the Icleand
program green sheet for payment due dates and withdraw penalty information. Students
who find it necessary to withdraw completely from the university (WKU) or from this course
should report to the Office of Registrar in Potter Hall to initiate Withdrawal procedures before
the last Withdrawal date. Students who cease attending class without and official Withdrawal
will receive a Failing grade. Refunds will be given according to date of actual withdraw.
Students will receive a full refund in the event the program is cancelled.
ETIQUETTE AND EXPECTATIONS: Expectations of students in the course are high.
Specifically, students are expected to demonstrate the following etiquette throughout the
duration of the program.
4|P a g e •
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Students are expected to travel and participate in all program activities with a positive
attitude and ready to learn!
Students must respect the culture and environment of the locations visited.
Students who make a decision to consume alcoholic beverages should do so
responsibly. Drinking is strongly discouraged during the program as we will have early
morning fieldtrips throughout the program. Any alcohol abuse, as determined at the
instructor’s discretion, will be grounds for being sent home immediately.
It is understood that all students will read the WKU student “Code of Conduct” and
community code of conduct created by the group and will abide by the rules.
Students demonstration mature and respectful behavior at all times.
Students should be respectful of all rules/regulations of each place visited, including
all lodging accommodations.
Students are expected to be flexible and adapt to any unexpected changes/deviations
to the course activities and content.
Students are expected to be respectful of each other at all times, and especially when
sharing spaces/accommodations.
Students should contribute/strive to create a community of scholars and work to be a
supportive member of that community throughout the duration of the course.
OTHER POLICIES: The Department of Geography and Geology strictly adheres to university
policies, procedures, and deadlines regarding student schedule changes. It is the sole
responsibility of the student to meet all deadlines in regard to adding, withdrawing, or
changing the status of a course. Only in exceptional cases will a deadline be waived. The
Student Schedule Exception Form is used to initiate all waivers. This form requires a written
description of the extenuating circumstances involved and the attachment of appropriate
documentation. Poor academic performance, general malaise, or undocumented general
stress factors are not considered as legitimate circumstance.
A TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE will be provided separately.
5|P a g e