November 11, 2005: Volume 65, Number 10

Calling all explorers: Mini-term aboard a tall ship

Carol S. Weisse, professor of psychology, and Robert V. Wells, professor of history, will conduct a new mini-term aboard the Half Moon, a full-scale replica ship from Henry Hudson's 1609 voyage, in June. The program (TAB 169) is suitable for all majors, particularly those students with an interest in history, environmental science, or sailing and navigation, and it can count toward Gen Ed science, as well.

Twelve students will be selected to participate. They will learn first hand about the challenges faced by 17th century explorers while living on the square-rigged tall ship; they'll carry out the same duties performed 400 years ago by Hudson's crew.

"This interdisciplinary program offers a unique chance to master sail handling, study crew behavior, engage in navigational exercises, chart weather patterns and study the Hudson River watershed," says Weisse. "Our goal is to sail out on the ocean to the Delaware River, Connecticut River and along the Hudson."

She noted that the ship is the one that will appear in the forthcoming New Line Cinema movie, "New World," featuring Colin Farrell, Christopher Plummer, Wes Studi and David Thewlis. (see http://www.learnstuff.com/learn-about-the-new-world/ ).

Last year, without any formal training in cooking, Weisse spent 16 days as a cook on the Half Moon while the ship and crew sailed to Virginia to be filmed in the epic Hollywood adventure about the settlement of the Jamestown colony.

"I came back with an interest in history, Henry Hudson and the early Dutch settlements in the Albany area. This mini-term program was something I felt compelled to organize given the incredible experience I had," said Weisse, who is also director of the College's Health Profession Program.

"I'm also excited that Prof. Bob Wells agreed to serve as co-instructor, as it will give me a chance to work with someone from another division, with whom I would normally not work."

The Half Moon, also known as the New Netherlands Museum, hosts educational programs along historical and environmental themes.

The Union mini-term will run from June 8-24, 2006, beginning and ending in Verplank, N.Y. Applications are due by 5 p.m., Jan. 20, in the Terms Abroad Office, HU 211. For more information, contact Weisse at weissec@union.edu.

For a virtual tour of the ship, see http://www.timesunion.com/halfmoon/.

<< Previous Story The British are coming:...

Next Story >> Taylor publishes book,...