Program Description

Live at the Brunnenburg Castle for three weeks

Attend lectures and field trips which illustrate the basic principles of the geology of the area

Learn about the mountain building process

Read from the geologic literature of the latest theories on how the Alps were created

Hike to modern glaciers to view glacial processes, recent glacial deposits and recent changes in the size and extent of modern Alpine glaciers

Study the “Iceman”, the frozen mummy found not far from Brunnenburg Castle

Read and discuss papers and guidebooks on the geomorphology of the area

Focus on glaciers and climate influences on the are landscape

Course Description

NSci 2100 The Natural History of the Italian Alps, 4 Cr
(for beginning students in any major)

Study of the geology, soils, vegetation and glaciers. Understanding the geologic history, fossils and extinction, mountain building; climate change; the “icemen” and early human habitation of the region; influence of the natural setting on humans and environmental problems associated with human development.

Geol 4130 Geomorphology of the Italian Alps, 4 Cr
(for advanced standing students)

Study of landforms, rivers, soils and glaciers; and the influence of geology, tectonics, climate and vegetation in the development of the Alpine landscape. Understanding geomorphic processes, interpreting landforms and reconstructing geologic history on the basis of surficial features; the influence of the natural setting on humans and environmental problems associated with human development.

Faculty Profile:

James F. P. Cotter’s field of expertise is glacial geology. He has studied glaciers, glacial deposits and glacial landforms in Minnesota, the Rocky Mountains, Antarctica, South America and Europe. Cotter enjoys teaching, field work and the outdoors. He is a Morse-Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor of Geology at UMM

 For further information about this trip, please contact Jim Cotter at cotterjf@morris.umn.edu or 589-6312.

Program Costs:

Program Fee: $3100

Includes: Lodging, 2 meals per day, program excursions, insurance, and tuition at UMM.

Estimated Airfare: $1200

Estimated Extra Costs: $600

Includes: Extra meals and personal spending money.

Application Deadlines:

Initial - Friday, December 14, 2007
- Receive a $150 program fee reduction
- Entered into a $500 fee reduction drawing

Early—Friday, January 25, 2008
- Receive a $100 program fee reduction

Final—Friday, February 15, 2008

Regardless of when you turn in your application, you may be eligible to apply for UMM scholarships worth up to $750. For scholarship applications, contact the Center for International Programs.