Semester in the West, 2006

The Westies in the Sierra Nevada above the Owens Valley

Semester in the West is a Whitman College field study program in environmental studies, focusing on ecological, social, and political issues confronting the American West. For a full semester, we will travel the West, focusing on issues such as grizzly bear and wolf reintroduction plans, management of national parks and monuments, the booming economy and culture of Las Vegas, environmental justice in New Mexico, and many more. Along the way, we will meet activists, writers, environmentalists, loggers, ranchers, miners, labor organizers, local politicians, land managers, historians, political scientists, geographers, foresters, economists, farmers, Native Americans, biologists, ecologists, and cowboys. As we travel, we will read what others have written about the West, and we will do much of our own writing. We will explore the ecology of the region, from the grasslands of Hells Canyon to the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico.

Funded by the Andrew Mellon Foundation and Whitman College, Semester in the West is a program for Whitman College students only. Students of sophomore status or higher are eligible. Offered in alternating years.

Donate to Semester in the West
Semester in the West is made possible by educational grants from many institutions, and exists thanks to the financial support of Whitman College. If you support the incredible journeys made by students and teachers on Semester in the West programs and would like to contribute to enriching the educational experiences of Whitman students, we would welcome your donation. Making contributions to Semester in the West lets Whitman know that you appreciate what Semester in the West does, and that you want to see more innovative programs like it. Every donation goes to enrich the experiences of future students.

If you would like to support Whitman College Semester in the West, you can do so quickly and easily by going to https://secureserver.whitman.edu/~gifts/ and contributing online. Please be sure to designate your gift to "Semester in the West." Or if you prefer, you can simply make a check out to "Whitman College Semester in the West" and send it to:

Whitman College Office of Development 345 Boyer Ave
Walla Walla, WA 99362

Thanks for your support!