Every fall, twenty Northland College students have an opportunity to immerse themselves in Superior Connections—an integrated sequence of environmental liberal education courses that focus on the Lake Superior Watershed.

Stunningly beautiful, the Lake Superior Watershed contains ten percent of the earth’s fresh surface water and provides a unique opportunity for the study of complexly interconnected natural and cultural systems. Students who enroll in Superior Connections develop expertise in the geology, biology, and human history of the Lake Superior Watershed, and then use these expertise as a foundation from which to study and engage a variety of environmental and cultural issues.

Participants in Superior Connections enroll in a sequence of nine-courses over two years, work closely with twelve faculty members dedicated to the program, and participate in a number of field experiences, including a one-month journey around Lake Superior. Students who complete Superior Connections satisfy the requirements for the College’s environmental liberal arts curriculum and emerge from their studies empowered by experiences of connectedness to make meaningful contributions to the watersheds and communities in which they will live.

The development and implementation of Superior Connections is supported by a grant from the Luce Foundation.