Current Students

Explorations in Philosophy and Film  
IDH 3100-601
Instructor: Blaze Marpet 
TR | 12:30 – 1:45 PM

This course explores the manifold ways in which films can illustrate fundamental philosophical themes about the nature of reality, knowledge, and human existence. We will study films from a range of periods and genres, such as: “Rashomon,” “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Fight Club,” “The Matrix,” and “Whiplash.” These films raise questions like: What is ultimately real, and why is understanding it so elusive? What is the nature of knowledge, and why are we so prone to ignorance? What explains personal identity across time? How do various subconscious psychological drives manifest in our moral lives? Can machines be conscious, and do we have moral obligations to them? Alongside studying the films that raise these questions, we will read philosophical texts to help us develop and defend our own answers with clarity and logical rigor. Additionally, we will reflect on the unique opportunities the aesthetic and narrative aspects of film afford for enriching our capacities for artistic interpretation and moral reflection. A permit is required to register, request one here.  

America’s Best Idea: Evolution of Policy and Practice for Public Lands  
IDH 3400-601 
Instructor: Sam Henderson 
MW | 12:30 – 1:45 PM

This interdisciplinary course examines the concept of public lands and designated natural parks being “America’s Best Idea” (Ken Burns, 2009) and how the American model, for better or worse, has long been the paradigm for public lands management around the globe. The course explores the dynamic history of public lands policy and practice and encompasses the three JGHC Commitments at the intersection of humanity’s connection to and dependence upon nature and natural resources. The curriculum grapples with the often-conflicting philosophies of preservation and conservation, human access and wilderness protection, and resource extraction versus the inherent value of undisturbed ecosystems and the services they provide. Through the lens of changes in governance, administrative jurisdictions and the cultural / social ethos of connection to nature, the course looks at the challenges to sustaining public lands for a broad spectrum of stakeholders whose values are often at odds. To explore the subject in depth, the subject matter includes designated areas and the agencies that manage them from local to federal, small parks to vast wilderness and biomes ranging from warm coastal wetlands to scorching arid deserts to alpine mountain ranges. Likewise, the course speaks to the uncertain future of public lands in the face of population growth and the increased demand for space and natural resources. A permit is required to register, request one here.  

Beyond the Classroom: Big Island Hawai’i 
IDH 4200-601 
Instructor: Brooke Hansen 
TR | 3:30 – 4:45 PM

Through interdisciplinary frameworks this course explores the multifaceted and dynamic past, present, and future of Hawai’i through the lenses of tourism, the largest industry, sustainability, and cultural revitalization. We will learn about and experience the many cultures of Hawai’i, from Native Hawaiian roots to the multiculturalism brought by the plantation era that can be heard through the modern-day pidgin language and tasted through the “mixed plate” of the island’s cuisine.   
 
Service learning will be a key focus as we model regenerative tourism and give back to this special place when we visit. We will work at an ethnobotanical garden, help maintain an ancient fishpond, tour organic cacao groves, and pick prized Kona coffee. The deep cultural kanaka maoli (Native Hawaiian) connections will be explored through our Hawaiian guides who will share their mana’o (wisdom) with us at sacred sites and revitalized landscapes.  Participation in the May trip (May 12-26) is a mandatory part of the course experience (cost is $1,500 per person, plus airfare).  Program application and acceptance is required to participate. Learn more and apply here. 
 
Mindfulness, Meditation, and Modernity in a Global Context   
IDH 4200-602 
Instructor: Blaze Marpet 
TR | 9:30 – 10:45 AM

This course examines the theory and practice of Buddhist meditation from its inception through modernity. We will pay particular attention to the historical origins and developments of various Buddhist meditative practices and their interpretations. We will also investigate the causes, implications, and possibilities of the popularization and proliferation of mindfulness meditation in mainstream U.S. culture. Central questions to this examination will be: What have been the aims and functions of Buddhist meditative practices in their historical, social, and religious contexts? Is “secular” meditation practice possible, and relatedly, can one be Buddhist “without beliefs,” as one author recently put it? Finally, what are the potential dangers and pitfalls associated with meditation? Materials for our study include ancient meditation manuals and expository treatises, as well as contemporary writings by religious studies scholars, psychologists, and philosophers—all this alongside influential Buddhist artworks and recent films. A permit is required to register, request one here. 

Local Government, Global Crises: Climate Change, Natural Hazards, and How the World Responds
IDH 4200-603
Instructor: Sam Henderson
M/W | 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM

This course will explore how global climate change correlates with the intensification of extreme weather phenomena and natural hazards (disasters) associated with atmospheric and oceanic circulation exacerbated by a rapidly warming planet. We will examine these dynamic changes in Earth’s natural systems through the lens of recent events around the globe, as well as historical trends in weather and climate. The course includes review, discussion and analysis of case studies from regions most directly affected by our changing planet, with an eye for exploring how local governments are reacting and responding. There will likewise be much room for debate and collective hypothesizing as we attempt to understand how the many inextricably linked open systems of Earth are triggering changes in one another that we have yet to fully comprehend, and which policy solutions and community actions are most effective in mitigating their effects and helping prepare people and the planet to be more resilient. A permit is required to register, request one here.

Local Government Resilience: Economy, Environment and Public Service 
IDH 4950-601 
Instructor: Sam Henderson 
F | 11:00 AM – 1:45 PM

This Capstone course examines how local governments strive for cultural, structural, social, economic and environmental resiliency through the lens of six City of Gulfport Florida projects and initiatives. Learners will use project documents, field excursions, municipal staff interviews and qualitative / quantitative research methods to gain a thorough understanding of the projects from conception to completion. Subsequently, learners will analyze and interpret the outcomes from an interdisciplinary perspective and explore the project’s benefits, shortcomings and even potential course corrections. These real-world explorations will lead students to navigate the broad range of challenges that Florida municipalities face when tackling local issues. The course addresses the three JGHC commitments as cities must, in all decision-making and policy processes, consider the prosperity and well-being of its residents (Healthy Humanity), the overall resilience of the city and city services to meet resident needs (Sustainable Futures) and working collectively with residents, businesses and other governmental and non-governmental entities to accomplish goals (Engaged Citizenship).

Course expectations will include site visits to the chosen project(s), making public records requests and scheduling time with members of city staff to gain insight through their expertise in the field. The desired outcome for the course is that students working collaboratively in small groups to perform research and create an evidence-based submittal that graphically, narratively and through live presentation shows a professional, thoughtful analysis of one of these local government initiatives. The expectation is that this would be a product that learners would feel confident and prepared to demonstrate their knowledge, analysis and recommendations before a municipal board as well as other stakeholders. A permit is required to register, request one here.  

The Honors Thesis is a two-semester program where students will conduct an independent study under the guidance of their own thesis chair selected by each student. The thesis process mirrors a mentorship system common in graduate schools (e.g., dissertation for a Ph.D. program). By closely working with your own chair, you will come up with a research topic, develop research methods, and produce your own creative work such as a research paper, artwork, a business proposal, etc. It is a great opportunity to create your own unique research project, learn from faculty about the research process, and gain research skills. We recommend that students who are interested in the Honors Thesis prepare early.

Honors Thesis 
IDH 4970-601
Instructor: Blaze Marpet 
F | 2:00 – 3:00 PM 

A permit is required to register, request one here.