ADV41704

In this course, students will examine how gender formations intersect with the history of the Outdoors, outdoor leadership, and outdoor education, with a special focus on women’s** experiences. **In this class, 'women' refers to a gender-expansive understanding of women including cis women, transwomen, and any woman-identified individual. We will also focus on the development of outdoor expeditionary skills (this will include at least one of the following: expeditionary whitewater rafting, backpacking, and introductory rock climbing). Leadership and technical skill sets will be fostered within a unique learning environment designed to deconstruct the barriers that women students face in developing confidence, competence, and community in outdoor leadership and Adventure Education. Recognizing the interwoven nature of identity, gender, and leadership will be explored in conjunction with race, sexuality, and class. There will be several expeditionary field sections that offer opportunities and inclusive learning environments designed specifically for women’s technical skill acquisition and leadership development. This course is intended to serve as additional preparation for upper-division technical skills courses and students will ideally leave this course with an in-depth understanding of how to further expansive gender leadership in the outdoors and adventure education. Students of all gender identities (allies and accomplices included!) are encouraged to enroll.

SPECIAL NOTES: This course will include several required multi-day expeditions. Exact dates TBA. The course fee covers student food expenses. Students are encouraged to have UD leadership experience (teaching assistantship, orientation instructor practicum, AE I, II, III) to enroll in this upper division course.