Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who takes this course? 
  2. Are there prerequisites? 
  3. Can I sign up just to take the trip? 
  4. How can I register? 
  5. I am a graduate student. May I take the course? 
  6. How large are classes? 
  7. Is this a “real” Penn State course? 
  8. Will the credits I earn count toward fulfilling my degree requirements? 
  9. How much reading is there? 
  10. Do I need my own gear? 
  11. What is included in the course fee? 
  12. Is transportation included in the course fee? 
  13. Does the food provided accommodate persons with dietary restrictions — for instance, vegetarians and those with food allergies? 
  14. Will I be safe while participating in these adventures?

Who takes this course?
Students from all departments and colleges in the University have enrolled in this course. The experiential basis of the course makes it attractive to those who are intimidated by the abstract nature of university-level courses in literature and culture. In this class, ideas are grounded in the trips and activities.

Are there prerequisites?
No. It is an introductory literature courses that is open to all students.

Can I sign up just to take the trips?
No. This program combines classroom-based instruction with field work at local farms. The philosophy motivating the program holds that you can actually learn more (and more easily) by informing and enhancing a physical activity with the intellectual work of a humanities course.

How can I register?
You can register online in the same way that you sign up for other Penn State courses. Additional registration information is available on the Fee and Registration page. You can also get registration help, if you need it, by contacting the English Department, the professor in charge (814-865-7105), or the program manager (814-863-5144).

I am a graduate student. May I take the course?
Yes. Although it was designed with undergraduate students in mind, graduate students also profited a great deal from taking the course.

How large are classes?
Each class enrolls a maximum of twenty-four students per class. Courses emphasize student engagement and participation, and feature personal attention from the instructors.

Is this a “real” Penn State course?
Yes. The course is offered in conjunction with Penn State Outreach and Continuing Education. Instructors are approved by those academic departments. The program was created by and continues to be run by a professor in the English department.

Will the credits I earn count toward fulfilling my degree requirements?
Yes. The course was designed with General Education requirements in mind, so you can petition for the English credits to count toward fulfilling your General Humanities (GH) requirement. English majors and minors can count the English course toward the required 200-level courses on the checklist.

How much reading is there?
This class has as much reading as most other literature courses. The reading assignments are selected to inform the experiential aspects of the course.

Do I need my own gear?
No. You may need to buy some noncotton, technical clothing; farm clothes; and/or hiking boots, but all the outdoor gear for the trips is covered by your course fee.

What is included in the course fee?
The fee covers the cost of all equipment, instruction or guiding at the farms, and food for the extended trips.

Is transportation included in the course fee?
Yes. The program rents fifteen-passenger maxivans from the University’s Fleet Operations for transportation to the farm sites, so you will have no expenses for airfare or gasoline and no wear and tear on your vehicle.

Does the food provided accommodate persons with dietary restrictions — for instance, vegetarians and those with food allergies?
Of course. Most often you will be in a small group with students who have similar restrictions or likes and dislikes. Your group will decide on the menu. In the case of catered meals, food will be provided to suit your needs.

Will I be safe while participating in these adventures?
The program does everything it can to keep the students safe. A Penn State professor will be with you on the outing(s). Other instructors have significant outdoor experience and first aid certification (in most cases, they are Wilderness First Responders or Wilderness EMTs).