Past Program

South Africa: Art + Science of Conservation

For artists and designers interested in animals, nature, environmental studies, and human-wildlife conflict. Taught by conservationist, educator, writer, and veterinarian Dr. Lucy Spelman, this 3-credit (Liberal Arts) course gives students a first-hand look at saving species from a problems/solutions perspective.

At-A-Glance

What
Global Summer Studies
Where
  • Hoedspruit, South Africa
When
Summer 2019

Course Dates: Jun 16, 2019 — Jul 6, 2019

Who
Open to RISD students, Brown University students, non-RISD students
Faculty
Academic Credits
3
Department
  • History, Philosophy, & Social Sciences
Cost
$6252

Includes tuition, accommodation, field trips, local transportation, group dinners + some meals, museum entrances, health and travel insurance.

South Africa: Art and Science of Conservation
Hoedspruit, South Africa 2019
South Africa: Art and Science of Conservation
Hoedspruit, South Africa 2019
South Africa: Art and Science of Conservation
Hoedspruit, South Africa 2019

About this Travel Course

This course is best suited for artists, designers, and science communicators interested in biodiversity studies, endangered species protection, and human-animal-environmental health interactions. Students in this three-week travel course to South Africa learn how to apply their art/design/science communication skills to improve conservation outcomes. They also gain a first-hand look at saving species from a problems/solutions perspective.

The course is led by zoological medicine veterinarian and RISD part-time faculty Dr. Lucy Spelman, the itinerary includes three days at the University of Pretoria Southern African Wildlife College near Kruger National Park, and two weeks at the Bushwise Field School near Makalali Private Game Reserve. The lead guide is Vaughan Jessnitz, biologist and senior trainer at Bushwise. A RISD teaching assistant provide art instruction and critical review.

Students have a rare opportunity to hear from a variety of experts about some of South Africa’s most pressing wildlife problems:

  • habitat destruction by elephants
  • poaching and illegal wildlife trade of pangolins and rhinos
  • wildlife poisoning, especially of lions and vultures

Students select from among these conservation challenges, explore the problem in depth, and collaborate to produce original works of art or design that inspire conservation action. The results be shared with local artists during “art exchange day” and serve as a major project for course credit. Skills gained include analyzing, collecting, interpreting, and recording scientific data used to study and monitor wildlife populations; observing, sketching, and photographing wild animals, plants, and landscapes; teamwork; practice visualizing and communicating science. Students are also expected to create an artist archive of photographs, notes, sketches, sound recordings, and videos for future inspiration.

Student + Faculty Stories

Read more about Lucy Spelman in RISD News: Promoting Conservation through Art

It’s so important to be exposed to different cultures. When you get out of your comfort zone and throw yourself into a completely new context, you’re learning and growing every second.

Tim Hsieh MID 19
GSS19: South Africa: Art + Science of Conservation

Photo Credit: Lucy Spelman

GSS19 South Africa: Art and Science of Conservation, Anti-poaching dogs at Wildlife College. Pictured: Shreya Kaipa B Arch 23; Photo: Lucy Spelman

GSS19 South Africa: Art and Science of Conservation, vulture expert Lindy Thompson; Photo: Lucy Spelman

Final Project by Sophie Curlee BFA IL 22

GSS19 South Africa: Art and Science of Conservation; Photo Credit: Megan Brief MA NCSS 20

Sketchbook of Rouchen Rachel Wang MA LA 21

GSS19 South Africa: Art and Science of Conservation; Photo Credit: Ke Shang BFA ID 22

Zebra herd; Photo Credit: Lucy Spelman

Photo Credit: Lucy Spelman

Photo Credit: Lucy Spelman

GSS19 South Africa: Art and Science of Conservation, Rhino Farm; Photo: Megan Brief MA NCSS 20

Lilac Breasted Roller; Photo Credit: Megan Brief MA NCSS 20

GSS19 South Africa: Art and Science of Conservation; Photo: Heather Mc Mordie MFA PR 20

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1:1 Advising Session

Have questions? The RISD Global team is available to meet for a 1:1 advising session. We can give you more information about your study options, help you figure out which program makes sense for you, and assist you with the application process.

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