An Online Certificate Program
 See Distance Learning for registration &
technical requirements.
This online course series begins in the fall.
Please fill out the online mailing list form so that you may be contacted when this course is offered again.
What
is Ecotourism?
The International Ecotourism Society defines Ecotourism
as “purposeful travel to natural areas to understand the culture
and natural history of the environment, taking care not to alter the integrity
of the ecosystem while producing economic opportunities that make the
conservation of natural resources beneficial to local people.”
The Certificate
Program
Composed of three courses equivalent to 10 semester units of academic credit (optional), the Certificate Program offers a distance-learning course of instruction in the concept and practice of sustainable, ecology-based tourism. If selected, the academic credit earned can be used as elective credit toward degree requirements, but cannot substitute for major requirements at HSU. Courses may be taken on a non-credit basis and without the intension of earning the certificate.
The certificate program is designed to be completed in one year, beginning with Course 1 in the fall and concluding with Course 3 in the summer. Upon completion of the program students will understand the following:
• Global and national trends in tourism
• Principles of ecology-based tourism
• The tourism planning process
• The role of ecotourism in community development
• The role of education and interpretation in ecotourism
• Sustainable architectural and site designs
• Principles of tour guiding and itinerary planning
• How to identify and market the ecotourist
REFUND POLICY: No refund will be provided for dropping an Ecotourism course once the student has been given access to the course.
Courses
The Certificate Program is composed of three courses equivalent to a total of 10 semester units of academic credit (optional). If selected, the credit awarded can be used as elective credit toward degree requirements, but cannot substitute for major requirements at HSU. Courses may be taken on a non-credit basis without the intention of earning the certificate. Once registered (credit or non-credit), student has 16 weeks to complete each course.
The Certificate Program is presented entirely online. Each course is unique in the required assignments, but all have been designed to develop a strong online community of learners through asynchronous classroom discussions between students and the instructor. Students are given assignments, exams, essays and projects with required due dates submitted electronically to the instructor.
Course
1 (Fall 2008: Aug. 25-Dec. 12)
Introduction
to Ecotourism Planning & Management
NRPI x218 (4 units optional)
EENC x060, $500 + $160 for credit
Course 1 offers a virtual “guided tour” of 8 trips highlighting the history, concepts, principles and guidelines that distinguish ecotourism as a travel-style and destination as well as a means for sustainable economic development and conservation of critical natural areas. Case studies provide examples of successful ecotourism projects. Assigned readings further address ecotourism issues through the “guidebook” (course text). A “travel log feature” allows the student to keep a personal journal of his or her travels through the course. The “internet café” feature allows students to correspond with the instructor and other students and to discuss issues in more detail. The “travel tips” section allows posting of current news or bulletins relevant to ecotourism. Eight assignments allow the student to examine ecotourism issues presented in each trip. A final exam will measure the success of course objectives.
Course
2 (Spring 2009: Jan. 20-May 15)
Issues
of Sustainability and Responsibility - Directed Readings
NRPI x318 (3 units, optional)
EENC x061, $350 + $120 for credit
Course 2 offers a set of “travel itineraries” (directed readings) that examine a range of issues and opinions on the guiding principles of “sustainability” and “responsibility” as applied to ecotourism. The student will prepare four essays on the most important points emphasized in each itinerary (reading) and describe the contribution or applicability of the material in the context of the student’s interest in ecotourism.
Course
3 (Summer 2009: June 1-Sept. 18)
Ecotourism
Project Implementation - Directed Study
NRPI x418 (3 units, optional)
EENC x066, $350 + $120 for credit
This course involves each student in a special ecological tourism study project. For example, ecotourism projects can include designing an itinerary for a specific area or topic; a marketing plan for a region, community, tour company or ecolodge facility; an interpretive education program for ecotourists; among others.
Building upon the material presented in Courses 1 and 2, three options will be available for the student to complete the course:
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Option 1, select a project subject from a list provided by the instructor;
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Option 2, self-select a project subject;
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Option 3, participate in an instructor-approved ecotour and relate the travel experience to a project in the context of ecotourism principles.
The instructor will communicate with the students on a regular basis to define the study plan, review progress, provide feedback and direction, and evaluate results. Students can pursue a selected project as individuals or in small groups of two or three. The course will require background reading and research, discussion drafts, and a final report. Communication will involve website posting and e-mail.
About the
Instructor
Michael Sweeney, AICP, is a certified environmental planner. He has worked on a number of ecotourism projects in California including the Yurok Destination Lodge Feasibility Study which identified a preferred site and conceptual configuration for an ecolodge at the mouth of the Klamath River, and the development and implementation of a sustainable tourism strategy culminating in the City of Arcata’s annual “Godwit Days” migratory birding festival.
Mr. Sweeney has presented papers on sustainable, community-based tourism at international conferences on ecotourism, and consulted on ecotourism projects such as the Sastuun Resort in Quintana Roo, Mexico, a prototype for sustainable resort development along the Riviera Maya and the Scarlet Macaw Trail Project, a community-based ecotourism model in northern Guatemala sponsored by Conservation International.
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