Freshwater and Forest Ecosystems

This course provides an integrated, hands-on exploration of the Mekong River, the Tonle Sap Lake, and their tributaries in Cambodia, one of the world’s most productive and unique flood-pulse ecosystems. We’ll delve into the physical, chemical, and biological forces that drive the ecosystem’s extraordinary productivity and biodiversity, focusing on the dynamic link between the river and the lake. Through extensive fieldwork, students will develop practical skills in aquatic sampling and analysis, including water quality testing, macroinvertebrate surveys, and fish population assessment. They will also gain experience with ecological monitoring techniques and participatory approaches to community-based resource research. Students will gain a deep understanding of tropical river-floodplain ecology, fisheries science, and the human-environment interactions that define the Lower Mekong Basin.
By using the Tonle Sap Lake and Mekong River as a primary study region, the course will integrate perspectives from ecology, hydrology, resource management, climate change and policy/governance as approaches that will allow us to thoroughly analyze and address the multi-faceted environmental challenges within this critical tropical freshwater system.

This course takes a pragmatic approach to environmental ethics, looking, through a variety of thematic scenarios, at how decisions relating to the environment can be made through an applied ethical lens. Following an introduction to the foundations of environmental ethics and the cultural context of Cambodia, we explore ethical problems that are pertinent to environmental studies. In particular, students in this course examine contemporary environmental dilemmas and topics as they affect Cambodia and its neighbor further down the delta, Vietnam. Students study environmental ethics in relation to economic growth and development, and consider the purpose of nature and humans’ role in managing it while still encouraging responsible development.

This course introduces the concepts, tools, and incentives to effect conservation of the environment and natural resources. The field of conservation is focused on protecting biological diversity—including ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity—by promoting processes, both ecological and social, that support biodiversity. The course focuses on five core themes: what biodiversity is; why biodiversity is important; threats to biodiversity; strategies for conservation; and the concept of sustainability. We explore the practical aspects of conservation using local case studies, considering the array of conservation strategies in the region, and using this lens to evaluate global concerns on a local scale.

This course prepares students to distinguish hidden assumptions in scientific approaches and separate fact from interpretation, cause from correlation, and advocacy from objectivity. Students learn specific tools including: experimental design; field techniques; basic descriptive statistics; and parametric and non-parametric quantitative analysis. Emphasis is placed on succinct scientific writing, graphic and tabular presentation of results, and effective delivery of oral presentations.

The Language and Culture course consists of two modules: Cambodian society and culture, and Khmer language. It offers an introduction to spoken Khmer and explores the history and culture of Cambodia. The socio-cultural module aims to immerse students in the local culture and enhance their ability to work effectively in community-based research. While the primary focus is on Cambodia, Vietnamese history is also covered due to shared politics and history. The Khmer language module focuses on beginner-level listening and oral practice to improve communication and comprehension skills in everyday situations. Both modules emphasize direct interaction with local communities through lectures, field visits, cultural events, and community outreach. Assignments include journal entries, cultural discussions, briefings, and community interactions. The Language and Culture course consists of two modules: Cambodian society and culture, and Khmer language. It offers an introduction to spoken Khmer and explores the history and culture of Cambodia. The socio-cultural module aims to immerse students in the local culture and enhance their ability to work effectively in community-based research. While the primary focus is on Cambodia, Vietnamese history is also covered due to shared politics and history. The Khmer language module focuses on beginner-level listening and oral practice to improve communication and comprehension skills in everyday situations. Both modules emphasize direct interaction with local communities through lectures, field visits, cultural events, and community outreach. Students engage in activities like overnight homestays, workshops with local students, community events, and service projects. Assignments include journal entries, cultural discussions, briefings, and community interactions.