Fall Term
Food for Thought:
In this course, you’ll  synthesize your studies with the Growing Connections program through the medium of literature. Using stories, essays, and poetry you will explore varied current and historical perceptions regarding the consumption of food and those who work to provide it. The focus of work in this course is on written and spoken expressions of the role agriculture has played, and will play, in human life.

The Chemistry of Food:
Through laboratory and classroom investigations, you’ll study sustainable agricultural techniques from a scientific perspective and measure concentrations of both nutrients and contaminants in the campus garden. This course also examines the societal benefits and risks of pesticides to our society, and study the connection between diet and health.

Winter Term
Geology and Agriculture:
In this course you learn about the earth systems, soils, minerals, water, and energy used in agriculture and the environmental impacts caused by the use of those resources. The course focuses on how these impacts can be decreased so that agriculture can sustainably provide for the needs of society.

May Term
Sustainable Agriculture Practicum:
In this field course, you’ll gain hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture either by working on selected farms or by assisting organizations working on food or agricultural policy issues. Students have the opportunity to work in-depth with one farm or organization for the semester, or gain a broad experience with several farms and organizations over the semester.

Fall Term
Natural History & Conservation in the Lake Superior Watershed:
This course introduces you to the natural history, conservation, and restoration of the region’s natural resources. You’ll begin by studying the general natural history of the Lake Superior region, and then focus on regional conservation biology issues. The course concludes with an examination of restoration from ecological, economic, and philosophical perspectives.

Confluences: Reading & Writing in the Lake Superior Watershed:
In this course you will gather and integrate their experiences and studies of the Lake Superior Watershed using the creative and synthetic potential of dialogue and written expression. The reading of literary and historical texts, the composition of essays, and delivery of oral presentations are integral to the course.

Geoscience Issues of Lake Superior :
You will learn about the geologic processes and history of the Lake Superior basin and how past geologic events established the setting in which the current ecosystem and human society reside. Field trips and laboratory exercises develop their skills in map reading, rock identification and interpretation, and give them an appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural environment of the lake basin and humans’ relationship to the lake.

Superior Connections Practicum:
Field trips and colloquia discussions are central to the Superior Connections program. The trips and colloquia connect the topics of the fall semester Superior Connections courses and thus provide you with opportunities to integrate ideas from different disciplines. These experiences immerse students in observing, thinking, and communicating about their relationship to the land, water, ecosystems, history, and people of the Lake Superior Region.

Lake Superior Ojibwe:
This course focuses on the various Ojibwe people who have resided in the Western Great Lakes region. You’ll study these cultures from pre-contact time to the present and develop an understanding of and appreciation for the history, culture, and traditional teachings of the indigenous people of the Lake Superior Watershed.

May Term
Lake Superior Circumnavigation:
This trip around Lake Superior connects the topics of the fall semester courses and provides you with opportunities to integrate ideas from different disciplines. The experience immerses you in observing, thinking, and communicating about their relationship to the land, water, ecosystems, history, and people of the Lake Superior Region.