Traditions and Cultures of the cape cod islands

Explore the history, folklore and ecology of the Cape Cod Islands, with an emphasis on the Native American, African American, Portuguese and European heritage of the islands. Immerse yourself in the art, architecture and literature of the region through field trips, lectures and a research project designed to focus on a particular area of interest. The Institute engages participants in intense field site and academic study of people and places using readings, local experts and Lesley University faculty.

Resource people include eminent local historians, artists, writers and community leaders. The itinerary of the Institute, in our two extended week-ends on a Cape Cod island, will include a trip to a wildlife refuge, research in the Historical Societies, a panel discussion with local folks and much more. Additional field sites will be determined by interests of individual participants. The reading list includes works by some of our speakers and provides a frame of reference for the group’s study of the traditions and cultures of the region. In addition, we will provide articles of interest and guidelines about each day’s activities. Students taking the institute for credit design a research or integrative creative project that integrates the themes of the week and reflects their personal and professional interests.  Lesley faculty provide guidance and assist in identifying appropriate resources for both credit and non-credit students.

Course Objectives:

• To explore the unique ecology of a Cape Cod island and understand it in the context of other islands
• To explore the rich cultural heritage of the Islands
  
• To offer an experiential, interdisciplinary opportunity for study
• To undertake in-depth research on a particular topic of the cultures and
  ecology of the island
• Research that includes interviewing as a technique for collecting
  information

Location:

From Lesley University, faculty and students will travel by both van and ferry.  Accommodations will be at an Inn on the Island, near walking trails and ocean beaches.  Meals include a variety of regional as well as vegetarian menus.

Faculty:

Frank Trocco, Ph.D., teaches in the Interdisciplinary Studies and Independent Study master's degree programs. His research interests include Native American ceremony, "weird" science and ecology.

Course Requirements:

• Full participation on both week-ends
• One 3-4 response paper to a required reading
• One page research proposal - due one week after first week-end
• Additional reading and research for the individual project which should be a 10-12 page paper about some aspect of the course from a multidisciplinary, cross-cultural perspective
• An annotated bibliography about the books read during the course of research and participation (can include children's books)
  Interviewing at least one person for the research project

Six-credit option: Students may add a three-credit individually guided study to this course, approved by their Lesley advisor and supervised by the faculty of the course.

Course number: GINTD 6006.01

*Usually runs in Summer*

Sample Itinerary from Martha's Vineyard:

Friday, September 16
Morning: Depart from Lesley University in the morning to Woods Hole to catch the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard.
Afternoon: Orientation. Guided ecological walk at Long Point Preserve.
Evening: Panel discussion by community leaders on ‘Past, Present and Future of an Island Community’.

Saturday, September 17
Morning: Tour of the Island, stops highlight history, art and ecology.
Afternoon: Tour of the Duke’s County Historical Society, the Whaling House and an Introduction to Historical Resources.
Evening: ‘The Art of the Interview’ workshop. Research/ study groups.

Sunday, September 18
Morning: Oak Bluffs Tour, presentation and group reading.
Afternoon: Research workshop — discussion of project ideas and research options. Design second weekend. Individual exploration at Vineyard Haven. Return to Lesley University campus.

October 14, 15, 16
This weekend will be designed to reflect student’s individual research and project needs. Schedule additional resource people, interviews, research time, study groups and field experiences.

For more information please contact: