DesertExpedition (KPE 243C)---3 units, offered every other Fall semester

Desert Expedition is an introduction to the sills, attitudes and knowledge required for safe use and enjoyment of desert areas. An interdisciplinary introduction to the meaning and significance of the desrt. Trip planning, map use, and methods of safe travel are technical skills learned in the field experience. Course includes a 10-12 day field experinece.

Field trip involves a 5-10 day field experience in southeastern Utah.

Course Objectives:

• To introduce and develop those basic skills which enable the individual to travel and live in a desert environment.
• To familiarize the individual with the wilderness environment of the desert including natural history.
• To familiarize the individual with knowledge of the hazards of wilderness travel and living in the desert and develop the skills of emergency response.
• To extend the individuals self awarenss by identifying hes/her personal limits.
• To expand the students capacity for cooperative relationships through the common needs, involvements and commitments of a wilderness expedition.
• To provide a long term wilderness experience through which the student may experientially learn and deomonstrate skills.
• To provide experiences and situations in which the student can test and refine his/her personal values and which will stimulate him/her to examine and articulate his/her own beliefs.
• To develop skills that provide physical conditioning for the participant which can be pursued as a life long activity.