The University of Antarctica- College of Antarctic Studies Course Descriptions

This course introduces students to the continent, surveying its history, geographic situation, art and culture, and natural resources. It is a prerequisite for every degree program in not only the College of Antarctic Studies, but for every student in the university. Credits: 3

ANT 101 Intro to Antarctic History

This survey course introduces students to the major themes and events in continental history, from its origins until the present day. While it focuses on exploration and political history, cultural issues and environmental impact is also discussed. Credits: 3

ANT 121 Intro to Antarctic Geography

This survey course introduces students to the basic problems of continental geography, beginning with its positioning in the world, debate surrounding the 'Southern Ocean' and the physical limits and divisions of Antarctica's current circumstance as a science outpost. Credits: 3

ANT 123 Intro to Antarctic Environment and Resources

This survey course introduces students to the significant and changing environmental situation in Antarctica, from the moving 'ozone hole' over part of the continent to the unapped potential of its water and land resources. Finally, the course covers plant and animal resources in their modern context. Credits: 3

ANT 141 Intro to Antarctic Culture and Society

This survey course introduces students to the culture of the continent from the earliest aboriginal settlers to modern times, when scientists and specialists outnumber students and first peoples. Credits: 3

ANT 201 Natural History of Antarctica

This class begins with the separation of Antarctica from Gondwana in the Middle Cenozoic (about 25 mya) and develops the changes in its nature before its discovery by mankind. Credits: 3

ANT 203 History of Antarctica: 1820-1911

After the first sighting of the last continent in 1820, Antarctic exploration steadily began in earnest as the 19th Century progressed, reflecting in some ways the greater colonial spread, but also differing from the general trend, as its remote location prevented any actual colonization. The attempts at the South Pole which culminated in the great feat of Roald Amundsen are covered here. Credits: 3

ANT 205 History of Antarctica: 1911-Today

If the 19th Century can be called the century of great Antarctic treks and explorations, the 20th, with its development of the airplane, tended more toward establishment of various national outposts and research stations. The Cold War great power struggle is covered in its Antarctic context, and finally the post-1961 Independence Period. Credits: 3

ANT 207 Intercultural Legacy of Antarctica

Antarctica has always been a place where multicultural groups have visited and examined scientific data firsthand. The purpose of this course is to demonstrate how Antarctans have gotten along in a harsh setting by establishing an environment of trust and understanding, and how this comittment to peaceful coexistence continues today. Credits: 3

ANT 209 History of Antarctica University

The University of Antarctica has been an important factor in the continent's self-identification and relations with the rest of the world. As a leading research institution, its history is that of the continent itself. See here how it has grown and changed, and where it is headed. Credits: 3

ANT 220 Physical Geography of Antarctica

Is geography destiny? Nowhere on the Earth's surface do we have such a clear indicator that it may be true as in Antarctica- however, this course aims to provide the student with more than one way of lookin at the problem of geography in its Antarctic context; first through thorogh examination of the unique situation itself, and finally with presentation of possible solutions (Prq: ANT 112). Credits: 3

ANT 222 Antarctic Flora and Fauna

This course examines and discusses the plant and animal life below 60 degrees south latitude- beginning with the sea life in Antarctic waters, plants and water fowl along the coastlines and other, rugged, remote lifeforms inland (Prq: ANT 114). Credits: 3

ANT 224 The Southern Ocean

Defined officially in 2000 by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), the Southern Ocean's flow of water circulates around the Antarctic Continent and makes up a contiguous ecosphere, apart from the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans to which it is connected. This course aims to outline the history and life in this newest (and coldest) of the world's oceans. Credits: 3

ANT 226 Economic Geography of Antarctic Resources

Does Antarctica have a potential role as natural resource base to grow its economy? Of what does our economic geography comprise? Does Antarctica have oil wealth? These questions and more are answered by this class, which highlights the multifaceted resource base of the seventh continent (Prq: ANT 114). Credits: 3

ANT 228 Human and Cultural Geography of Antarctica

This course looks at the human presence south of the 60th Parallel line. Its focus is on how settlement of the continent has proceeded especially in the independence period, when the major scientific and student populations arrived. It will show how this has been good for the expansion of human knowledge about the area and our world, but that it has not come without a price (Prq: ANT 112). Credits: 3

ANT 230 Communities and Settlements on Antarctica

Cities in Antarctica. In an age when every other continent in the world has not only cities but megacities- ours is dotted only with simple settlements. But these settlements, Antarctica's urban infrastructure, are steadily growing and widening. This class focuses on how this is happening spatially and where it is headed (Prq: ANT 112). Credits: 3

ANT 280 Antarctica Portrayed in Art, Music and Film

Despite being the inspiration for the famous modern composer Vangelis, and the site of the award-winning portrayal of penguins in 2005 (March of the Penguins), Antarctica has been represented in media far less than any other continent. This class examines how the existing portrayals have shaped public thought, and how close (or far) that thought is from the reality. Credits: 3

ANT 282 Representations of Antarctica in Literature

This course examines the body of literature, much of it the harrowing accounts of the explorers themselves, that has been built around this 'Unknown Southern Land.' Voyage aboard the Fram, Erebus and Terror, and with the greatest of all Antarctic writer, Ernest Shackleton. Credits: 3

ANT 284 Issues in Antarctican Identity

E Pluribus Unum? How much weight does the traditional American slogan carry below the 60th Parallel? This course's purpose is to define and delineate if and in what form Antarcticans identify themselves as such. Credits: 3

ANT 286 Tourism and Environmental Impact

The ballooning tourist industry worldwide has barely touched Antarctica- until today. It is indeed a time of great change, with a growth in corporations and cruise lines which are now beginning to offer trips to Antarctica for 'notherners.' What is the magnitude of this impact and what is projected for the future? More importantly, what environmental consequences will it bring? Credits: 3

ANT 301 Limits and Divisions of the Antarctic Sphere

An ahistorical anomoly, this continent nevertheless has a most complex underlying set of agreements and treaties which define it. Its limits and divisions have changed considerably since the discovery in 1820, and these changes are the core of this class. Credits: 4

ANT 303 Antarctica and the World

This course follows the current political situation between Antarctica and the nations and international organizations in the world that it interacts with. Issues of territorial rights and natural resource exploitation are highlighted. Credits: 4

ANT 305 A Future Respendent? Visions of the Antarctic Tomorrow

A continent full of resources, untouched for the most part. Boasting comparatively few people in a crowded world. What is Antarctica's tomorrow to be? This course weighs the options open and how much leeway there will be for independent action. Credits: 4