Guilford College

Seminars and Group Projects On Campus with Off Campus Excursions

Caves: Cracks, Critters, and Conservation. 2 credits. Graded. 50022 GEOL 250 001.
Location: 16 days on campus/5 days off campus.
Faculty leader: Angela Moore

This project provides students the opportunity to explore and understand caves through an interdisciplinary approach. Content will include the geology of cave formation, cave ecosystems, water quality, the cultural importance of selected caves, and international approaches to cave conservation. The off campus component will be a field study of the geology, ecology, and history of Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, the longest known cave system in the world. Students will also have to opportunity to participate in a wild cave excursion into the more remote parts of Mammoth. Cost: $900. $250 deposit. Required materials students must own or purchase: rain gear, boots with good tread that go over the ankle, clip boards, and writing utensils. Utility and board fee for those living on campus.

From Blank to Bank: Flyfishing A-Z. 4 credits. Credit/No Credit. 50009 GST 250 004.
Location: 2 weeks on campus; 1 week off campus.
Faculty leader: Lavon Williams

An overview of the basics for flyfishing beginners who wish to build their own rod, tie their own flies, and fish NC freshwater trout rivers. Study historical, ecological, and practical flyfishing, with reflection on the history of rod bulding and fly fishing, river conservation, where and how fish live and what they eat and flyfishing ethics/safety. Students develop a greater appreciation for the outdoors and its preservation. Cost: $1494. $250 deposit. Travel and off campus housing included. Plus materials: $750-$1000 (books, building kits, fly fishing paraphernalia vest/pack, waders). Utility and board fee for those living on campus.

Principled Problem Solving: Change-making in NC. 4 credits. Graded. 50015 PPS 250 001.
Location: 16 days on campus; 5 day trips off campus.
Staff leader: Kim Yarbray

This seminar exposes students to Principled Problem Solving (PPS) in North Carolina through the lens of social entrepreneurship (SE). A social entrepreneur identifies and solves social problems on a large scale. In addition to learning from practitioners, students will be introduced to theory, case studies, critique of SE.  Students will identify one issue of personal interest where there might be SE opportunities. As students take day trips to SE sites around the state and speak with innovative social entrepreneurs, they will learn best practices which can be applied to develop SE plans of their own. Students will receive feedback from SE practitioners and experts on the final project SE plans. Some student participants will be selected for CPPS sponsorship to the spring Sullivan Foundation SE retreat.  Cost: $1384. $250 deposit. Utility and board fee for those living on campus.

Quaker Funk and Leadership. 2 credits. Credit/No credit. 50011 GST 250 006.
Location: On and off campus.
Faculty/staff leaders: Dave Limburg and Alan Mueller

This project provides students an opportunity to explore popular pep band literature, leadership theory and systems navigation by establishing a sustainable college pep band for Guilford College. Students will learn all of the logistics of starting a pep band at a college/university including: collaborating with Athletics, securing instruments, working with cheerleaders, fostering donations, marketing, member recruitment, leadership structure, music selection and performance. PREREQUISITE: Instructor permission.

Cost: $995. $250 deposit. Utility and board fee for those living on campus.

Yoga Fundamentals. 1 credit. Credit/No credit. 50045 PHYE 100 001.
Faculty leader: Dawn Leonard

Each 2.5 hour session 5 days a week will present many aspects of yoga including postures (asana), breath work (pranayama), meditation, philosophy, and chanting. The postures will include strengthening, stretching, and therapeutic applications. No yoga experience required, but even seasoned practitioners will benefit from extended daily practice. Cost: $421.

Woodworking and Furniture History. 4 credits. Credit/No credit. 50013 GST 250 008.
Location: on campus and local excursions.
Faculty leader: Jim Hood

The project introduces students to the basics of traditional American woodworking and furniture making. Starting with the tree in the forest, students will learn to identify the primary types of wood used for furniture in this area, to understand some basic wood technology, and follow the furnituremaking process through design, basic joinery, assembly, sanding, and finishing. Through field trips to Old Salem, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, and local Piedmont furniture makers, participants will explore the history and variety of woodcraft in central NC. Students will spend most of their time in the studio, learning the fundamentals of measurement, layout, and hand tool use, and they will complete a couple of small furniture projects by employing their skills. Students will also do a research presentation on a traditional American furniture style or maker/firm. Cost includes field trips and a starter set of hand tools. Cost: $1384. $250 deposit. Plus materials purchased independently by student: $410. Utility and board fee for those living on campus.