Trek the Caucasus Mountains and Countries

Description

This course is designed for particularly inquisitive and adventurous students who wish to explore the history, culture, politics, and landscapes of the Caucasus region during a physically demanding, four-week, foreign trek. Our early travels will take us to many ancient cultural sites in the countries of Armenia and Georgia. We spend the final few weeks of the program backpacking through two distinct areas of Georgia’s isolated high alpine regions that border Russia and Chechnya, but we also conclude the trip with a few relaxing days on the shores of the stunning Black Sea. Course readings will focus on Caucasian national histories, current political concerns, and the development of outdoor leadership skills. Students who participate in this unique program must be intellectually and emotionally mature, in top physical condition, and prepared to endure numerous physical hardships (e.g., rain, snow, mud, wind, high altitude hiking [maximum 11,000’], long, bumpy, dusty roads, foreign cultures). Rob Smurr has nearly two decades of experience leading commercial and student trips to this region.

Depending on student interest and emphasis, credit can be given in the following disciplines: environmental studies, history, political science, Russian and Eurasian studies, art (photography, drawing), art history, writing, and adventure travel.