2007 Liberal Arts Seminar Course Description
Dr. Dale M. Benham, professor of biology
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Wilderness, “…an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where
man himself is a visitor who does not remain”, must be experienced to be comprehended. In this
course, we will explore the recreational, ecological, geological, historical and cultural values of
wilderness and study the present conservation and preservation movements for wilderness
protection.
To begin the course, we will spend five days exploring the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
in northeastern Minnesota by canoeing, portaging and camping in this remote area, which will serve
as our case study for an exploration into the necessity of wilderness in North America. This trip will
be a rugged wilderness experience with canoeing and portaging several miles each day, sometimes
in difficult conditions (steep, rocky, muddy portages, carrying 50lbs of equipment or more). No prior
camping experience is necessary; however, you must be in good physical condition with no physical
impairments to prevent successful performance of necessary trip activities.
Course enrollment is limited to 15 students. The trip begins Aug. 13, two weeks before the first
official day of class. Interested students must apply by June 13, 2007 (complete the Application on
this site after reading information about the course on this website). I will select students in mid-
June. A fee of $175 (above other NWU fees) for this course to offset trip costs is due by July 13.
The Necessity of Wilderness