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Natural History Interpretation Minor at UNI A fulfilling career in science communication is a mere 18-20 credit hours away for Biology or Earth Science majors at UNI who complete the Natural History Interpretation Minor. Our nationally recognized program has a rich and enduring track record of excellence in producing visionary, highly skilled naturalist/interpreters. Many UNI interpreters occupy local, county, state, regional, and national positions of leadership in Zoos, Aquaria, Science museums, Outdoor learning centers, cultural and historical sites, and parks. Our combination of in-depth coursework coupled with ample real-life experiences prepares graduates who compete quite favorably for careers that impact lives and preserve our natural heritage. Descriptions of UNI courses in the Minor 840:084: Introduction to Natural History Interpretation A project and discussion-based course accompanied by numerous site visits and a volunteer component. We explore the pioneering legacy of naturalists and environmental educators including Tilden, Mills, Audubon, Leopold, Carson, Wallace, and more. We key in on and develop effective communication skills in their many forms including written, oral, nonverbal, and multimedia strategies. And, we consider learning theory as well as cognitive development as foundations for effectiveness. 840:184 Natural History Interpretation Techniques This successor course to 840:084 builds upon and extends ideas on learning, communication, and the development of seamless interpretation strategies. We take to the field and meet with practitioners, critique programs, write grants, review the research literature, design and conduct programs, analyze our own performances, and author individualized versions of An Interpretive Manifesto, a philosophy of interpretation. 840:195 Internship/Field Experience A total of 200 to 300 hours of paid or unpaid internship at an interpretive facility is required. This is arranged by mutual consultation of the student and internship supervisor as a capstone experience of the minor. A journal and original program or other such interpretive product are required. Our students have interned at county parks, zoos, learning centers, national monuments, state parks, and eco-tourism facilities. 840:196 Interpretive Colloquium Following the internship, students return to campus and present a sample program to a public audience, as well as a portfolio to the faculty committee overseeing the Minor. AUXILLARY COURSEWORK One of three courses offered through the Leisure Studies Department: 430:050 or Principles of Outdoor Pursuits 430:146g or Managing Recreational Impacts on the Natural Environment 43T:170 Eco-tourism One of two courses determined by student preference: 840:180g or Restoration and Management of Natural Lands 990:125g Introduction to Museum Studies Notes on Natural History Interpretation Minor at UNI ¥ Administered by Interpretation Committee of Ecology & Systematics faculty and Jeff Weld. ¥ Minor available to E&S majors or Earth Science majors. ¥ E & S majors may not count 840:195 Internship/Field Experience toward the major. ¥ NHI minor may take 43T:170 Eco-tourism by consent in place of the prerequisite. ¥ Students take Interp. I (840:084) in Sophomore or Junior year. ¥ Students do interp. projects based on learning experiences in Major courses. ¥ Students take Interp. II (840:184g) in Junior or Senior year. ¥ Interp. Colloquium: portfolios graded as requirement of course. ¥ Present an interp. program developed in Interp II or Internship in the Interp. Colloquium. ¥ Portfolio evaluated by the NHI Committee |
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