Additional Programs*

The Center for Northern Studies
Mountain Cultures Semester
Sustainable Agriculture Semester
Wildbranch Writing Workshop
Global Field Studies
Folk Art Workshop Series
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If you are interested in participating in Sterling's Mountain Cultures Semester and you are not a Sterling College student, contact Ned Houston, MCS faculty member.

Checkout our recent trek to Sikkim, India.

Mountain Cultures Semester Description
The Mountain Cultures Semester (MCS) is an intercultural experience exploring cultural differences in attitudes toward natural and human resources. Full-immersion through trekking, service work, and homestays in local villages is a key component to this spring semester experience. The first part of the semester consists of six weeks of intensive preparation in the U.S., which includes considerable reading and discussion as well as training in technical skills and safe mountain travel. The second part of the semester consists of eight weeks of international travel and study, service, and backcountry trekking in the villages and high mountains of the Himalaya.

In 2001, students and faculty trekked, lived, and climbed in the Solu Khumbu region of Nepal. The group completed service projects, taught English in Taksindu Monastery, and did homestays in the local Sherpa Villages. For the final weeks, some attempted an ascent of Mera Peak (21,400'), and others completed independent research on eastern medicine and women's roles in Sherpa society. In 2002, students and faculty traveled through Sikkim, a northern state of India nestled between Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. The group trekked into the high country along the Nepal border and climbed to 18,600' on Mt. Jupono (19,585'). They also completed homestays and service projects near Gangtok in central Sikkim. In 2003, students and faculty returned to Sikkim. The experience included visits to twelve monasteries, homestays and service work in a mountain village near Ravangla, and a trek into the seldom visited Sikkim base camp of Kangchendzonga, the world's third highest peak.

In 2005, the course traveled to both Sikkim, in northeastern India, and the Ladakh region, in northwestern India, between Pakistan and Tibet. The course focused on visiting over 20 monastaries, two longer treks to heights of 14,000’ and 16,300’, and two homestays. In one of the homestays, the group built a composting toilet at the crossroads of a busy trekking area.

In spring of 2007, students and faculty returned to Sikkim and Ladakh.

Academic Courses have included*
AS260 : Winter Mountaineering Spring - Field - 3 Credits
Part of the Mountain Cultures Semester. Students learn and practice skills necessary for the safe travel in the mountains in varied snow conditions including snow camping techniques, backcountry travel, and ice climbing. The course begins with training in the U.S. (actual location varies) and concludes with trekking and climbing in significant mountain ranges in selected international locations. In prior years, we have traveled to the Himalayan regions of Solu Khumbu in Nepal and Sikkim in Northern India.

HM321: Writing from Experience Spring - Classroom and Field - 2 Credits
Part of the Mountain Cultures Semester and associated with MH361 Intercultural Studies. Classes prepare students for recording thoughts and observations while on site during the Mountain Cultures Semester. Preparation focuses on good examples of journal writing, choosing verbal snapshots, reflecting cogently on experiences, and polishing several pieces. Following their return, students submit drafts, edit and revise, and offer select works for publication and evaluation.

HM361: Intercultural Studies Spring - Classroom and Field - 6 credits
Part of the Mountain Cultures Semester. Begins with formal preparation prior to travel involving diverse readings and discussion focused on the impact of tourism and development in mountain ecosystems and the cultural, political, and natural histories of the areas we visit. Full immersion in the local culture follows during six to eight weeks of travel, including trekking and mountaineering, home stays with local families, and service projects. Reflective journaling is an integral part of the course (see HM321).

NS365: Snow Physics and Avalanches Spring - Field - 3 Credits
Part of the Mountain Culture Semester. Focuses on avalanches and avalanche risk assessment with focus on crystal structure and change in response to temperature and pressure. Includes analysis of slide potential based on slope and snow conditions and safety techniques for assessing hazards to backcountry travelers.

*Courses are subject to change

Faculty
The Mountain Cultures faculty includes both Sterling College professors and professional guides.

Learn more about Ned Houston.

Admissions
If you are interested in participating in Sterling's Mountain Cultures Semester and you are not a Sterling College student, contact Ned Houston, MCS faculty member.