Peru Field Course 2009

2009 Spring Course in Peru

• Applied learning about Integral Theory in Amazon rainforest conservation and sustainable development

• Learn about current environmental conservation efforts via field activities and applied small group work

• Experience the rainforest and learn from an indigenous community in the Amazon basin

• Explore the global issues of climate change and biodiversity in the cloud forest

• Inquire into the inter-play of premodern, modern and postmodern cultures in a global context today

• Integrate your spiritual practice with social change  

• Bring your education in Integral Theory into practice for the planet

 
Integral Field Course Details

Place: Peru (Cusco, Amazon basin, cloud forest, and Machu Picchu)
 
Dates: Due to the feedback from last field course, we have set our tentative dates during the holiday for JFK students, between Summer and Fall quarters, likely September 5th-15th. This will give students an ability to really focus on the field course, at a time when they don't have other competing academic commitments with other campus courses. We have yet to finalize these dates, in collaboration with the academic policies of JFK and also our Peruvian partner organization, Amazon Conservation Association, but you can tentatively note those in your calendars!
 
Cost: The course price includes a tuition fee as well as travel fee, and usually the price is very reasonable compared to other international courses offered elsewhere. Tuition: for JFKU students, this counts as a 2-unit course, with regular tuition fees that apply; non-degree students can audit this course for a reduced tuition rate. Travel Fee: We have yet to determine the travel fee. As you know, we try to keep this as cost effective and accessible for students. In general, the travel fee covers airfare, in-country travel, accommodation, instruction, translation, and facilitation of activities; you will be responsible for vaccinations, food and water, and recreational purchases. For those living outside the Bay Area, we will take out the airfare cost from your travel amount, and you'll be responsible for getting a flight from your city to Lima. I'll inform you as soon as we have a travel fee finalized—stay tuned!
 
Who: Individuals interested in how Integral Theory is, or can be, applied to pertinent issues in today’s world, such as: coaches, leaders, consultants, activists, healers, and other social change agents. Priority will be given to enrolled JFKU students (on campus or online) from JFKU and the course is also open to non-degree students.
 
Academic credits: This is as a 2-unit course (For JFKU students this can count as an elective or professional development course).
 
Grade evaluation criteria: Participation in field lectures, daily activities, and experiential exercises; Small Group Assignments (developed and presented during course); Final Paper (students will have two weeks after returning to write this; due the final meeting).
 
Prerequisites: (please read this carefully, and talk with us if it is unclear.)
EITHER:  For on-campus students: Social and Cultural Psychology and Integral Psychology A. For on-line students: Cultural Development and Intro to Integral Theory-Five Elements.  
OR:  Sufficient cross-cultural experience and familiarity with Integral Theory, to be determined by faculty.
 
Pre-readings: Will be expected of the students and reading lists will be provided upon registration.
 
Application process: Includes a 2-page essay question and interview. The essay question is: What personal experiences brought you to the awareness of global issues, and how do you see an Integral Approach might assist our understanding and response to these issues? The essay question must be 1.5 spaced and submitted to Gail Hochachka by January 15th. The essay will be reviewed by us, brief interviews will occur during April and May, and students will be informed if they are accepted in the course shortly after.
 
Faculty: Vernice Solimar and Gail Hochachka, Integral Studies Department, JFKU
Contact: vsolimar@jfku.edu and ghochachka@integralinstitute.org

Course Objectives:

Key global issues that we'll focus on in Peru:

• biodiversity and cultural diversity

• climate change,

• conservation efforts with indigenous communities

 
Key topics that we engage in each field course:

• history and evolution of approaches to development (magic, mythic, rational, postmodern, integral)

• integral spirituality and social change

• small groups that pick a topic to which they can direct their applied integral inquiry over the 10 days.

Schedule of Field Activities:

Day 1-2: Cusco
Settle in, discuss personal and course intentions, visit city and surrounding area.

Day 3-4: Machu Picchu
Train through Sacred Valley of the Inkas, stay in the town of Aguas Calientes, visit ruins for sunrise.
Learn about major waves of consciousness and how they have been engaged in development.

Day 5: Cloud Forest
Travel to and stay in Waychechas Retreat in cloud forest overlooking Amazon basin.
Learn about biodiversity and climate change from integral perspective.

Day 6-7: Amazon community
Stay in rainforest with Huachapaire community on Q'eros River.
Participate in activities and ceremonies with Huachapaire indigenous people; experiential learning and field lectures.

Day 8: Cloud Forest
Stay again in Waychechas Retreat.
Integrate learning, small group presentations.

Day 9: Andean community
Travel to Challabamba community where we will stay.
Learn about integral spirituality and social change, via participating as invited guests for a traditional festival in honor of La Virgin de Chanca.

Day 10: Cusco
Return to Cusco for reflections and closing

Day 11: Travel
Leave Cusco, travel to Lima, night flight to SFO.