Learning in the great outdoors ~ Plans for geology excursions rock solid
by Ines Salomon, reporter

    Traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains will earn students eight transferable college credits through a South Campus mini-course May 11-May 26.

    The course tour will include the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Hot Springs National Park, Village Creek State Park and the Pisgah National Forest.

    Participating students will earn credit in Geology 2462 (four hours), English literature 2332 or 2333 (three hours), and Physical Education 1174 (one hour).

    Registration runs from Feb. 5-April 4.

    Students who want to enroll must obtain a special permit from Jim Black, geology instructor.

    All required tuition and fees must be paid in full at time of registration.

    A special $500 non-refundable fee pays for van rentals, gas, insurance, park entrance fees, camping fees, food and other supplies. Each student is also required to pay tuition for the classes.

    Black and Weldon Reed, associate professor of English, will hold orientation meetings each Wednesday, April 4-May 9, at 3:30 p.m. in SCI 149 to prepare students for the trip.

    During orientation, the group will learn necessary background for geology and literature.

    The instructors will address group consciousness and explain what occurs during these trips.

    Students will also learn about the equipment they need for the trip.

Another mini course is scheduled July 13-July 31, Summer II, in Wyoming.

    Those students will visit Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Tetons, Capulin Volcano, Sand Dunes National Monument, Dinosaur National Park and other sites.

    Registration for the Wyoming course will begin March 19 with orientation during Summer I.

    The cost for this course includes tuition plus a non-refundable $500.

    Students will also earn eight hours credit in Geology 2462 (four hours), English 2332 or 2333 (three hours), and Physical Education 1174 (one hour).

    For more information or registration permits, contact Black at 817-515-6065, e-mail him at jim.black@tccd.net or visit him in SCI 154.