ETSU will introduce a new course this summer that enables students to work with the eastern band of the Cherokee nation and the National Park Service while participating in several service-learning initiatives.
Students who enroll in the Cherokee Immersion Project will learn about another culture while they work closely with the people of Cherokee on the reservation at Qualla Boundary in North Carolina. Students will be able to participate in an archeological dig to search for artifacts on sacred ground.
Another part of the curriculum includes working with the Environmental Protection Agency, Army Corps of Engineers and Americorps to assess and manage erosion.
In addition, students will work in conjunction with Qualla Housing to repair and build homes for the elderly.
In order to help students develop outdoor living skills, they will be introduced to environmental issues considering the role of the government, heighten their self-confidence, increase their leadership skills and even camp out in the wilderness.
Dr. Tom Coates, interim chair, department of physical education, exercise and sports sciences, as well as the instructor for this new course, said, “Students will be camping in tents or sleeping under the stars while acquiring knowledge of history, geology and park operations.”
“They will be assigned to work crews and will share responsibility for meal preparation and clean up, and loading and unloading equipment,” he said.
Some of the projects completed on Coates’ previous service-learning trips included clearing park undergrowth, building tent pads, installing bear boxes, conducting cave tours and nature walks, removing two outhouses and staining a fishing bridge with 64 gallons of stain.
From 1992-2000, participants have accumulated 7,652 service hours within the parks for an estimated value of $84,172. However, Coates said that the hours of service and dollar value are not the most important aspect of the entire experience.
Students who have completed the service-learning programs here at the university describe awe at the night’s wonders in a park, or the satisfaction that the outdoor labor was actually making a difference. One student was even motivated to become a ranger due to her experience.
The Cherokee Immersion Project will be offered this summer for a total of four credit hours.
Three of the four credits count as a humanities elective and the last credit counts as a physical education credit.
The class is listed under HUMT 4930/PEXS 4900 and enrollment is limited.
All participants are required to be interviewed prior to enrolling.
To make an appointment call Joyce Duncan at 439-5995.

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