From Island Studies

Vashon 101:  A Journey Just Begun – Interdisciplinary survey course about
  the geology, ecology, human history, and current socio-political
  environment
 12 classroom sessions
 

The Vashon Century – Historical Study Group
 Monthly meetings, free of charge.
 Next meeting is Monday,  November 3, 7:00 pm.  Sheffield Building, upstairs classroom.
 Details

Vashon College’s Center for Island Studies Presents
Seminar: Island Studies (SIS)
SPRING 2009

 Islands are unique settings with their own rules of ecology and behavior for the humans and other creatures inhabiting them.  Vashon is one of many thousands of world islands, each with its own special needs and possibilities, but all sharing the fact of isolation from mainland communities.  This course will study the characteristics of island living, and the possible connections between Vashon and other world islands.

 The seminar will be organized as a collaborative research project.  Early stages will be devoted to the study of island biogeography and natural history, the scientific basis for island studies.  We will also examine the human history and social dynamics typical of islands.  Participants will then learn the research skills needed for library, internet, and field research into islands of the world.

 Using this foundation of knowledge and skills, participants will collaboratively pursue independent research in island studies, and some may wish to visit other islands for first-hand knowledge.  After a period of intensive research, participants will reassemble to compare discoveries, ideas, and results.  By the end of the seminar, the group will develop a strong understanding of island life and will establish a basis for communication and action with other islands of the world.

Download Application

Anyone wishing to join our study group, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Meetings are free.  Depending on activities the group decides to undertake,  there may be a nominal charge for certain items to cover expenses.
 
In 2009, we'll celebrate the centennial of the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition (AYP), the region’s first world’s fair, located on the current University of Washington campus.  Vashon Island was a significant force in the region one hundred years ago and merited two honorary days at the AYP.  In the early 1900s, the mosquito fleet steamers transferred people, goods, and agricultural products to and from Vashon.  Vashon was home to prosperous farms and shipbuilding, among other industries.  A few Native Americans still lived on Vashon, and Burton was a “college town.”  Vashon College was in its heyday, encouraging parents from across the region to leave their children to be educated at Vashon College, while they journeyed north to strike it rich in the Klondike.  Vashon College even played football against the University of Washington! 

There are about 21,000 islands on Earth.  They constitute about 7% of the land area, and about 10% of the world’s population lives on them.  All but some 300 of these are “small islands” of less than 300 square miles, like Vashon Island (37 sq. mi.).  Very few small islands are able to govern themselves, but are subject to laws and policies made elsewhere.  When you live on a small island, the power always seems to reside somewhere else, not here.

The story of small islands is a sad chapter in world history.  Islands have been invaded by military, missionary, and commercial forces and exploited by tourist organizations.  Their indigenous people have been exterminated, converted to foreign religions, and exploited as sideshows.  Their forests and minerals have been taken for use elsewhere.  Invasive species of plants and animals have been introduced to further degrade their ecological stability.  It is no wonder that islanders characteristically feel vulnerable and defenseless.