ENST 282 - Blue Rwanda: Interdisciplinary Explorations of Water, Health, and Sustainability

Semester Offered: Spring
0.5 unit(s)

This immersive program is designed to deepen and transform our understanding of water studies through the blue humanities, with a special focus on the Great Lakes region of Rwanda. We explore critical issues like climate change, public health, and sustainable practices through the tapestry of indigenous knowledge. The experience culminates with field work and collaboration with the University of Global Health Equity in Butaro, Rwanda, where students from Vassar and UGHE engage in an exchange of ideas and perspectives. This partnership aims to cultivate a multifaceted comprehension of the crucial role water plays in shaping Rwanda’s systems of belief, socio-economic frameworks and health paradigms. Participants emerge with enhanced insights into the complex interplay between environmental resources and human well-being, and are poised to contribute meaningfully to global discussions and solutions in the realm of water studies. (Second six-week intensive-spring 2024 & trip to Rwanda - June 19-July 3 2024). This intensive is co-taught by Thomas Parker (FFS & ENST, Vassar College) and Denis Regnier (Head of Humanities and Social Science, University of Global Health Equity).

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor. Sophomores and juniors, preferably with a demonstrated interest in Environmental Studies topics, are encouraged to inquire. Please write to Professor Parker to request an interview. In addition to some preparation for the specific course topic, students must demonstrate a mature perspective on global engagement and a mindset of flexibility. The class engagement in Rwanda (approximate dates June 18 - July 3) is a critical aspect of the learning goals of this course. Participation in the trip to Rwanda is required and work completed on-site in Rwanda is significantly weighted in your course grade. Finally, please note that the itinerary in Rwanda (a country known as “the land of a thousand hills”) involves visits to sites that may require traversing steep inclines or walking for longer durations of time. Please communicate any questions, concerns, or accommodation requests as soon as possible.

Second six-week course.

One 2-hour period.

Course Format: INT