Hello everyone! My name is Sam Woollums and I will be the blog coordinator for Communication 239: Environmental Communication in Belize. I am currently a senior at Luther College striving for a Computer Science and Data Science degree! I am passionate about visiting new places and expanding my knowledge through learning and experiencing new things. In our world today, the topic of the environment and conservation efforts are at the forefront of much conversations. When I saw this course listed, my intrigue peaked and I knew that this course was for me. As someone who has been on a previous J-Term experience, I know all too well the inexplicable yet euphoric experiences one faces while studying away, and I am excited to tackle it again with you all.

For those unaware, Belize, formerly British Honduras less than 40 years ago, is a small country located on the north eastern coast of Central America and is known for the massive Belize Barrier Reef and the jungle dotted with Mayan ruins. This course examines environmental communication and the public sphere in Belize with particular focus on the significant role of eco-adventure tourism in the country.

Topics that will be reviewed, analyzed, and critiqued include the study of environmental rhetoric and discourse, media and environmental journalism, public participation in environmental decision-making practices, varying regulatory factors, social marketing and advocacy campaigns, environmental collaboration and conflict resolution, risk communication, and representations of nature in popular culture and green marketing.

We will cultivate this information from lectures and discussions, as well as from visits with government officials, local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), eco-tourism venders, tourists, and other key stakeholders. These undertakings will provide an understanding of how individuals, institutions, societies, and cultures craft, distribute, receive, understand, and use messages about the environment to influence attitudes and initiatives related to its use.

We depart for Belize on January 12th. Please feel free to follow along as our class shares our adventures with you!