This trip will explore the concept of wilderness with a particular focus on how wilderness is impacted by human behavior and social structures (culture, laws, economies of tourism, farming, industry, etc.). We will explore topics related to a specific wilderness area – the Okavango Delta in rural Botswana – as a case study to consider wilderness in the 21st century. In doing so, we will utilize social science-based research approaches and theories to understand the range of ways human interaction with the Delta impacts it as a wilderness area.

Understand the multiple definitions of wilderness
Articulate the evolution of ‘wilderness thinking’ through the lens of different cultures
Critically reflect on complex socio-ecological problems in ‘wilderness’ contexts, globally
Learn more from your experience through guided critical reflection
Maximize your experience with assignments designed to help you identify ways to take initiative
Cultivate the skills most sought by 21st century employers (hint: they’re outlined in our learning outcomes)
Draw connections between your experience and what you’re learning in the classroom through intentionally crafted assignments
Gain practice articulating the value of your experience and end the course with a tangible product (your final project) that showcases what you’ve learned

Learning Outcomes
Understand the multiple definitions of wilderness
Articulate the evolution of ‘wilderness thinking’ through the lens of different cultures
Critically reflect on complex socio-ecological problems in ‘wilderness’ contexts, globally

Come with your questions to share with trip leaders John Carroll (jcarroll2@unl.edu) and
Gwend?r Meredith (gmeredith7@unl.edu)