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. |
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Anyone wishing to join our study group, please contact
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. 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!
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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.
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The study of islands begins at home, but it clearly doesn’t end there. Vashon College has become a partner in the Global Islands Network (GIN), a consortium of several hundred small islands of the world. The purpose of the consortium is to understand internationally what it means to live on an island. The Global Island Network operates as a collaboration of many organizations interested in the welfare of small islands. Sponsoring agencies include the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (keeper of the endangered species list), UNESCO,The United Nations Environment Program, and a number of worldwide universities that pursue research into small island cultures and environments. Annual conferences of island representatives are held to study and respond to the special issues common to small islands. Further information is available at the GIN website, globalislands.net. |
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AquaLiteracyVashon College's AquaLiteracy program focuses attention on the problems and solutions surrounding  water. AquaLiteracy addresses water quality, sanitation, hygiene, water for agriculture, and waste water treatment. The College has taken a proactive role in documenting real-world water challenges. The video, "One Bucket of Water," follows Florence Cassassuce, the inventor of the UV Bucket, as she assists non-profit Rotary Club and World Neighbors in a needs assessment of the Santiago region of Guatemala. Watch the video "One Bucket of Water" |
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