The Upper Housatonic Valley Experience | Summer 2013
An Overview of the Historical, Industrial, Cultural & Environmental Influences of the Region
"The most useful course I have taken at the graduate level. This course
supplied concepts and examples, demonstrated interaction and
cooperation, and then set us free to explore and apply on our own." - past participant
"Thank you so much. The course was very inspiring. I've made a lot of
great connections and haven't stopped thinking about lesson-planning
since!" - past participant
What: The Upper Housatonic River Valley Experience (Course Number: ENVE 651 OR HSTE 601) is designed for Berkshire County and northwestern Connecticut middle/ high school
teachers of History, Social Studies, English, Science, Business, and
Industrial Technology.
When: It will be held 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 24 through June 28 (with one extended day TBA).
Where: Pittsfield Intermodal Center and various sites within the heritage area.
Highlights:
- This three-credit graduate course introduces and integrates
various aspects of the heritage of the Upper Housatonic River Valley;
the economic and industrial history of the valley, the ecology of the
river throughout that history, the symbiotic relationship between that
history and ecology, and the social and cultural aspects.
- Instructors, from MCLA and Berkshire Community College, will assist students in designing projects that will
infuse this information into their classrooms while meeting state
standards.
- Field trips to local cultural, environmental, and business sites and
presentations by guest lecturers will be a major portion of the course.
- Participants will review their current curricula and develop standard-based lessons related to the Upper Housatonic River Valley content that integrate contextual applications and motivational instructional strategies.
- Individuals, school-based and/or content-based teams will develop written lesson plans suitable for dissemination.
Take a look at some of the projects created in 2012
Registration details
- Course cost upon registration is $900.
- A stipend that covers your cost of registration will be provided to participants who successfully complete the course.
- Enrollment is capped at 16 participants, so register early.
- Deadline for registration is June 1 - with 3 slots held for Conn. teachers until May 1.
Funding is available from the Upper Housatonic National Heritage Area to support the cost of transportation for follow up student field trips; details available during course.
For registration assistance, contact Lisa Milanesi, Assistant Registrar at 413.662.5216 or Lisa.Milanesi@mcla.edu
