efenster@cdp.UUCP (12/12/90)
I have been invited by the ecology program of Moscow State University's biology department to bring a group of about twelve people to Moscow early next summer for a 4-5 week ecology course. Sample dates are 03 June-2/9 July. The course would focus on the science of ecology and it would emphasize both what is particular to the ecology on Soviet territory (especially Russia) and those aspects of the science of ecology in which Soviet education is strong-- including the view of or approach to nature there. In other words, they aren't asking people to come to Moscow to learn what could more effectively be learned at home. There will also be contacts with people and groups in the Soviet environmental movement and other meetings and activities to help participants understand the current economic and political situation in the USSR. The course will aimed at anybody whose usual activities would be better informed by knowledge of the ecology of that region and by the other information and contacts which would be gained. The level will assume the basic knowledge of biology such as might result from a college biology course; that is, it will not require people to be specialists, but somebody who never heard of DNA or didn't have a notion of the scientific method would probably be quickly left behind. The group will live in the University hostel, which is ready-made way to meet Soviet citizens. The structure is generally two rooms which share a bathroom. I think the total cost could be kept to $2300-2500 from the E. Coast, depending upon duration (pending air fare changes prior to our flight deposit.) Based upon expressions of interest, I must make the formal response to Moscow in January, and the earlier the better for securing flights and allowing people to plan ahead. Would you or your organization want to participate, how many people do you think might go and what other questions have you which I might answer or pass along? [Note: I've been organizing & teaching study trips to the USSR since 1980, both for a university and independently.]