In Darwin’s Wake:

Art & Ethics in Galapagos Ecotourism


I. Course Description

In this interdisciplinary international

field study, students will examine the

ethical dimensions of ecotourism in

Ecuador's Galapagos archipelago.

Through a fusion of on-campus

coursework and off-campus travel, students will gain background knowledge of the Galapagos Islands, understand Charles Darwin’s lasting influence and utilize ethical theory to identify environmental challenges and solutions. In addition to completing a value analysis paper, students will reflect on their experiences in the Galapagos through an art project called a visual journal which teaches the basics of visual design and gives students experience using mixed media layering techniques. This course carries the A Gen Ed requirement and is suitable for all levels and any major.  


  1. II.Course Objectives

  2. Examine and analyze the ethical dimensions of ecotourism in Ecuador’s Galapagos archipelago.

  1. Develop critical thinking skills to compare competing values at stake.

  1. Demonstrate creative thinking and visual problem-solving through the development of a mixed media visual journal project.

Maymester 2013

Lure of the wild

Approachable wildlife is a draw for many tourists, but this also brings hundreds of people onto the islands each day

Ecotourism has been defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people.”