Into the WIld

Students will explore complex questions, examining what motivates individuals to take risks and to seek out wild places. Students will also examine the science and discourse of ecology and wilderness protection. This inquiry will address these problems from a number of different intellectual and disciplinary lenses, including psychological, sociological, and anthropological perspectives.

This multidisciplinary approach will utilize literature, scientific research, and the arts to address these questions. The students will read and discuss selected works by Thoreau, Krakauer, Bryson, Muir, and Kerouac. Co-curricular activities will include challenging outdoor experiences: camping, hiking, rock climbing, and rappelling.

Course Details
Prefix: 
UCO
Course Number: 
1200
Section Number(s) and Day/Times Taught: 
107: MW 2:00-3:15 pm
110: MW 3:30-4:45 pm
Term: 
Spring 2024
Categories: 
Well-Being
Leadership
Instructor(s)

Kurt Steinbaugh

Kurt Steinbaugh

Kurt Steinbaugh has an undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a graduate degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of West Florida and a graduate degree In Professional School Counseling from Appalachian State University. Kurt has Directed Therapeutic Wilderness Camps and been an Outdoor experiential educator for over 35 years. He is a Professional Raft Guide, Mountain Guide and a Ski and Snowboard Tech. Kurt is a passionate Fly fisherman and a member of Trout Unlimited. When not otherwise engaged he can be found on one of our Mountain streams with rod in hand. Last summer he had the opportunity to participate in the Rescue of "Noli Bear" a 14.5 lb. Black Bear who was rescued from the River in TN.

Currently, he is a licensed professional counselor and coordinates Alternative programs for Avery County schools in Newland , North Carolina . He lives in Linville, 1.8 miles from mile-marker 310 on the Blue-Ridge Parkway. In the Fall of 2016 Kurt will be teaching a series of Gen Ed Seminar classes, entitled "Into the Wild" and "the Art and Science of Fly Fishing" at Appalachian State University.