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Press Releases | |
October 16, 2001
Contact:
College Students Spend Semester at Sea
Jane Finalborgo
(631) 287 8313
Fax: (631) 283 4081A group of 22 college students is participating this fall in "SEAmester," a one-of-a-kind educational experience at sea sponsored by Long Island University's Southampton College. The students, along with their professors, live and study for a nine-week semester on board the 131-foot schooner, The Harvey Gamage, as it sails along the eastern seaboard.
SEAmester is more than a casual experience at sea. It is a challenging adventure where students not only study the ocean environment they live it. On board the ship, students take responsibility for crewing the schooner, standing deck watch, manning the helm and setting the acre of sail. At the same time they take a full semester's workload, everything from navigation and seamanship to Melville and Hemingway. The curriculum includes courses in maritime history, marine science, coastal ecology, and literature of the sea.
Being prepared for the unexpected is as routine as doing chores. SEAmester voyagers have been known to endure hurricanes, overcome seasickness, and discover alligators in Okeefenokee Swamp. When studied live, concepts which seemed remote in the classroom take on a new perspective. Fish anatomy is unforgettable while performing a megadissection on a fresh 12-foot tiger shark. And the power of the sea is profound while standing night watch.
Living in tight quarters, the student-sailors forge strong bonds with their mates. "Outsiders can't fully appreciate the magnitude of grit and the degree of reliance required amongst shipmates to navigate a ship safely through an all-night storm," says Professor Christopher Hamilton, program coordinator and onboard science professor.
The 3,000 mile voyage was launched October 6 in Boston, and will end on December 7 in Puerto Rico. As the schooner sails southward, stops are made at major seaports and historical sites, including Mystic Seaport, CT; Beaufort, NC; Rum Cay, Bahamas, Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.
Southampton College, one of Long Island University's three residential campuses, is nationally recognized for its Marine Science and Environmental programs. SEAmester is part of the Long Island University Plan emphasizing experiential learning.