Guyana: Exploring the Art & Science of Biodiversity

About this Travel Course

In this course students will explore the artistic, cultural, economic, and scientific role of biodiversity in today's society. Using Guyana, a biodiverse English-speaking Caribbean nation, located along the northeastern coastline of South America as an example, students will approach the topic of biodiversity from multiple perspectives including the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and visual arts. More specifically, this course offers RISD students the opportunity to visit a biological hotspot and consider its role in society; participate in conservation science field research; interact cross-culturally; and develop their communication skills. Taught collaboratively, this course emphasizes the importance of connecting ideas, information, and methodologies across the arts, humanities, and sciences, with an emphasis on biology.

Students will spend the first week of the course at RISD, the next 3.5 weeks in Guyana and the last half week at RISD.

Student + Faculty Stories

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