Field Studies in Environmental Geology
on the Island of Lesvos,
Greece
This course will consider the basic and applied geology of the
eastern Aegean Sea with particular emphasis on the island of Lesvos,
Greece. It will provide a broad educational experience emphasizing
an understanding of environmental geology as it relates to land use
and development. Topics will include coastal processes and
development, hydrogeology as applied to water resources and waste
disposal. The basics of remote sensing, bedrock geology including
regional tectonics, and geomorphology will be introduced to provide
a foundation for exploring the relationship between geologic systems
and the cultural environment. The course will include guest lectures
by University of the Aegean
faculty, laboratory experiences and field excursions to many parts
of the island.
In addition to geological field trips to commercial sea-salt
evaporation basins, geothermal springs, volcanic plugs, fine
examples of columnar jointing in lava flows, and the petrified
forest, to name just a few, many opportunities will be provided to
take advantage of the cultural activities on Lesvos. The Byzantine
Art Museum, the Theopholis Folk Art Museum, the Archaeological
Museum, the
Roman
Aqueduct at Moria and the Turkish minaret at Ipsilametapou
provide excellent places to view the heritage of Lesvos.
This program, offered every other year (odd numbered years), is a cooperative effort between the Department of
Geosciences and
International Programming
of the University of
Southern Maine and the Department of Environmental Studies at
the University of the Aegean. (The University of the Aegean offers a
number of graduate and undergraduate programs in departments located
on four of the Aegean islands: Chios, Rhodos, Samos and Lesvos.) The
Department of Environmental Studies on Lesvos will be the host site
for the course, providing classrooms as well as cooperating faculty.
This national university was founded in the mid-1980s to serve as a
focal point for education and research in eastern Greece. Classrooms
and administrative offices are located in former mansions and, since
there are no dormitories, students live off campus.
Director: Irwin D. Novak,
Ph.D. Professor of Geology,
Department of Geosciences, USM and has led numerous programs to
Greece over the past decade. Teaching areas include Geomorphology,
Sedimentology and Glacial Geology. His research has focused on
geomorphology from space with special emphasis on Greece and the
Aegean region.
Mary Snell, Director of
the USM Aegean Arts and Cultural Exchange and freelance critic and
writer and part-time instructor. She first lived in Greece from 1973
to 1975 and now spends each summer on the island of Lesvos
Facilitator: John Hatzopoulos, Ph.D., Professor of Remote Sensing
and GIS Department of Environmental Studies, University of the
Aegean.
ABOUT LESVOS, GREECE:
Lesvos is the third largest of the Greek islands and is just 10km
from western Turkey. The island comprises 1632 sq. km, with a
maximum length of 70km, and width of 45km. Called the Emerald Island
because of the lush green of its olive groves and pine trees of the
eastern half, Lesvos is well-known for its olive oil, ouzo and soap.
In addition to many kilometers of sand and gravel beaches, Lesvos
has the world's second largest petrified forest. Greece, and Lesvos
in particular, could be considered a developing area on the eastern
edge of the western world. The country is working toward meeting
western Europe standards as part of the European community. Students
should not expect things to be the same as in the U.S. Applicants
should be flexible, mature and understanding and appreciative of
cultural differences.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Like full-time University of the Aegean students, enrollees in
USM's summer program will be housed in pensiones with two or three
people to a room with a bath, or two rooms sharing a bath, depending
upon availability. Students will be responsible for their own food
at $10-$25 per day in addition to all other costs. Tavernas,
restaurants and fast-food establishments are close by in the city of
Mytilene and offer typical Greek food at reasonable prices. During
May and June, daytime temperatures range from 80-95 degrees with little or
no humidity. Evenings feature cool breezes off the Aegean Sea.
ACADEMIC CREDIT:
This three-week program, excluding travel time, is available for
four academic credits. The program is intended for undergraduates
with no prior experience in geosciences or environmental studies and
science teachers working on their recertification credit. Students
wishing recertification credit should check with the Department of
Educational and Cultural Services in Augusta (or their home state)
to ensure that this course fits your particular recertification
needs and to ascertain whether you should enroll in this course for
academic credit.
APPLICATION:
To apply for the program complete and sign the application form
and return it with a 200-word, double spaced typed essay explaining
your interest in attending this program and a letter from a faculty
member recommending you for this program. The application must also
include a $200 nonrefundable deposit* and proof of medical
insurance**. If you are not a matriculated student at USM, official
copies of all academic transcripts are also required. Incomplete
applications may not be considered. A complete application includes
all of the following:
- Signed, completed application form $200 nonrefundable deposit*
-
Typed 200-word essay
- Faculty letter of recommendation
- Proof of
medical insurance**
- Official copies of all academic transcripts
(non-USM applicants only)
*You will be notified by mail once your application has been
accepted or rejected. If your application is rejected, the
nonrefundable deposit will be returned. If the program is canceled
for any reason by the USM, all deposits will be returned. ** Medical
insurance is required for this program. A photocopy of your
insurance provider ID card is sufficient documentation.
Download
the International Program Application
PROGRAM COSTS:
The cost for the program varies with airfare and hotel charges
but has been approximately $3000. The cost includes tuition,
housing, airfare to and from Athens/Lesvos from Boston, some
in-country travel, site visits, field trips, the international student identification card
(for matriculated students only). Not included in this program are
items such as cost of books, passports, regular academic fees,
academic supplies, food and other personal expenses.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr. Irwin Novak,
Department of Geosciences, University of Southern Maine
37 College Ave., Gorham, ME 04038, (207) 780-5025
Larisa Kruze-
International Programming, University of Southern Maine
37 College Ave., Gorham Maine 04038, (207) 780-5072
Other Links to the Aegean Islands:
Other Greek-Related Programs Offered By USM:
The University of Southern Maine shall not discriminate on the
grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national
origin or citizenship status, age, disability, or veteran’s status
in employment, education, and all other areas of the University. The
University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified
individuals with disabilities upon request. Questions and complaints
about discrimination in any area of the University should be
directed to Kathleen Roberts executive director, Office of Campus
Pluralism and Equal Opportunity, 780-5094, TTY 780-5646.
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This page was last modified on
09/08/2008
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