The Biological and Cultural Ecology of Sri Lanka

·        Let prominent biologists guide you through primeval rain forests.

·        Sift through ruins of ancient cities with internationally renowned archaeologists.

·        Follow herds of wild Asian elephants. Snorkel in beautiful coral reefs.

·        Sit with Buddhist monks. Make an offering at the Temple of the Tooth.

·        Visit rural villages. Experience healing ceremonies, devil dancing, exorcism, and soothsaying.

This is the official web site for Biology 190—Field Studies in Biology: The Biological and Cultural Ecology of Sri Lanka-- a course that will be offered in January 2007 through San Jose State University but taught in Sri Lanka by the faculty of the Post Graduate Institute of Science (PGIS). PGIS is located on the campus of Peradeniya University in Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

Who can apply

The course is open to any student at any college or university. Faculty members are also encouraged to come as observers or participants. The official deadline to sign up is October 31. Visit http://www.sjsu.edu/studyabroad for applications and additional information, call (408) 924-5931.

Program Dates and Cost

The plan is to depart January 1, 2007 and return January 24. These dates are tentative as they depend on availability of flights.

The cost of the trip is estimated to be $3600. This includes airfare, room, board, transportation, tuition, and other fees. The actual cost could vary slightly depending on airfares and the number of participants. (Some costs are shared.)

Course Description

Lectures and field trips will be presented by internationally renowned zoologists, botanists, geologists, archaeologists, and Buddhist Scholars from the prestigious Post Graduate Institute of Science (PGIS) and Peradeniya University . We plan to visit Sinharaja Rain Forest , the coral reefs near Hikkadua, gem mining pits, tea factories, rubber and coconut plantations, rural villages, and, of course, the major religious and archaeological sites, including the Temple of the Tooth , Anuradhapura (the ancient temple city), Sigiriya (the 5th century  rock fortress), and Dambulla (the ancient complex of cave temples).

This is an ideal course for students interested in tropical ecology and conservation. There will also be a substantial cultural component to the program that may be of interest to students in Anthropology or Religious Studies. Ideally, students should be either graduate students or advanced undergraduate students with some background in Biology.

Students who complete the program will receive 3 units of academic credit for Biology 190 (Biological and Cultural Ecology of Sri Lanka). Enrollment will be limited to fifteen students.

Sri Lanka 2006

This will be the second time this course has been taught. Take a look at the pictures and descriptions of this year's trip.

The Biological and Cultural Ecology of Sri Lanka, January 2, 2006 – January 23, 2006

Regional Facts

If Mecca is the capitol of Islam, then Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) is the capitol of Theravada Buddhism. Pilgrims come from around the world to circle the enormous stupas that still stand among the ruins of Sri Lanka's ancient cities and to make offerings at the epicenter of Theravada: the Temple of the Tooth.

Underlying Sri Lanka's rich and unique Buddhist culture is the island itself. Sri Lanka's rain forests, cloud forests, and coral reefs are home to 86 species of mammals (including leopards, monkeys, and elephants), 83 species of snakes, 400 species of birds, and 54 species of fish. Nearly a quarter of these plants and animals are endemic.

For more information on Sri Lanka visit http://www.lankalibrary.com/ .

Safety, Visas, English

Students will be issued free tourist visas good for one month when they arrive. English is spoken in all of the restaurants, universities, and shops. Even the taxi drivers know enough English to get you where you want to go.

The Tsunami

The tsunami of December 26, 2005 destroyed many coastal areas in Sri Lanka. The loss of life and property was unimaginable. Even now it is heart-wrenching to visit the affected areas. Although Kandy is high in the mountains, far from the coast, we ware looking for opportunities for participants to volunteer in tsunami relief efforts.

Contact

Visit http://www.sjsu.edu/studyabroad for applications and additional information, or call (408) 924-5931. For questions, call Jon Pearce at (408) 924-5065, visit him during his office hours (MW 1:30 – 2:00 in 213 MacQuarrie Hall, or send him an email at jonpearce@myway.com.

Updates

Our tentative travel itinerary

Our tentative itinerary in Sri Lanka

Links

About the project leader

About flying long distances

About attitude

What to Bring (updated 12/6)

About Sri Lanka

About keeping a journal (a course requirement!)

Emergency contact information

Safety (health, etc. read this)

Photos (See September, October, November, December, Sri Lanka 2004, and Sri Lanka 2005 albums for photos of Sri Lanka)

Fulbright Orientation Handbook for Sri Lanka (added 11/24)

References (updated 11/24)