Field School
Summer Field Schools
2012 Field School in Midwestern Archaeology
Primate Behavior, Ecology, Ecosystem Sustainability and Conservation
Field Course: Northeastern Costa Rica
Instructor: Dr. Paul A. Garber
Department of Anthropology
University of Illinois
Fall/Winter Study Abroad |
4 credit hours |
Anthropology 445 (CRN 59445) |
This course which is offered through the University of Illinois Study Abroad Program, is directed to students interested in biological anthropology, primatology, tropical ecology, rainforest conservation, environmental sustainability, and field biology. Each day the professor works intensively with students, present lectures, and provides background information to help students develop a conceptual framework for understanding the diversity and complexity of tropical forest ecosystems. Lectures, training in field techniques (including the use of global positioning systems, behavioral data collection, ecological data collection), on-site examples of animal-plant interactions, and observations of primate behavior are designed to help students develop individual research projects. There are three species of monkeys at the field site (white-faced capuchins, Cebus capucinus; mantled howler monkeys, Alouatta palliata; Geoffroyi’s spider monkeys, Ateles geoffroyi). Each student is required to write a research proposal to conduct a field project based on one of 8 research topics on primate social interactions or feeding ecology, collect field data to test a set of hypotheses, and write a final report during the course.
During proposal writing workshops, I will provide guidelines on how to write a quality research proposal and we will discuss the individual strengths and weaknesses of student proposals.
The field site is a beautiful tropical rainforest in northeastern Costa Rica. In addition to three species of primates, the field site is home to two species of sloths, anteaters, hundreds of species of birds (toucans, parrots, macaws), frogs, and snakes. Course costs include room and board (3 meals per day). We can accommodate vegetarians and students with special dietary needs. Students sleep in cabins that have ceiling fans, toilets, and showers.
In addition students will learn about the culture, food, and history of Costa Rica, and have the opportunity to meet and interact with local people who live in the communities adjacent to the field site. Field trips to an active volcano and coffee plantation are planned.