Spring 2021 Maine Studies Courses

The following Maine Studies (MES) courses were offered Spring 2021 semester. For more information, click on individual course names. Note that course descriptions may also come from other departments or the UMaine catalog.

Note: Schedule might show some adjustments due to COVID restrictions.

Maine Studies (MES) Courses – Undergraduate

MES 101 – Introduction to Maine Studies. Jen Pickard, Instructor. Online. 1/25-4/30
This is our general introduction to Maine Studies; it is required for MES Minors and students in the BUS degree, Maine Studies track. Course meets the Population & the Environment and Writing Intensive general education requirements. Academ-E section for Maine high school students available.

MES 101 – Introduction to Maine Studies. Jen Pickard, Instructor. Online. Seven Week Section (3/15-4/30)
This section is offered for students wishing to complete the class at a more accelerated pace.

MES 102 – My Maine Experience. Dan Soucier, Instructor. Online. 1/25-4/30
This is a one-credit course that combines online meetings with independent travel to destinations across the state. Students will be able to explore Maine and learn about its natural and cultural heritage on their own time.

MES 201 – The Maine Coast. Jennifer Pickard, Instructor. Online. 1/25-4/30
This course explores the history, cultures and environment of Maine’s extensive coastline and islands. Meets Population & the Environment, Social Contexts & Institutions, and Writing Intensive general education requirements. Academ-E section for Maine high school students available.

MES 301 – Rachel Carson, Maine and the Environment. Dan Soucier, Instructor. Online. 1/25-4/30
A study of Rachel Carson’s life and work with attention to the role of “place,” specifically the Maine coast, in fostering her achievement as a nature writer and shaping her vision as an environmentalist. Meets the Population & Environment and Writing Intensive Gen Ed requirements.

MES 498 – Advanced Topics in Maine Studies [all sections below have this numerical designation; see Topic for more info]

Topic: Maine Politics & Public Policy. Robert Glover, Instructor. TuTh 12:30PM – 1:45PM.
This seminar examines contemporary issues confronting the State of Maine and the politics that surround such issues. Particular attention is given to Maine’s role in national affairs, its unique environment, political parties and elections, the dynamics of the legislative, executive and judicial branches, the structure and operation of local governmental institutions, including regional governance, and the formulation and administration of state and local politics, including taxing and spending policies. Cross-listed with POS 362.

Topic: Folklore and the Environment. Pauleena Macdougall, Instructor. Online.
Explores how environmental issues are shaped by and can be seen from a folkloric perspective. Satisfies the General Education Population and the Environment Requirement. Also available as MES 520 and ANT 431.

Topic: The U.S. Folk Experience. Karen Miller, Instructor. Online.
Examines how groups use folklore to maintain and convey their values and sense of identity to each other and the larger society. Satisfies General Education Western Cultural Tradition and Cultural Diversity and International Perspectives general education requirements. Also available as ANT 430 and MES 520.

Maine Studies (MES) Courses – Graduate

MES 520 – Advanced Topics in Maine Studies [all sections below have this designation]

MES 540 – Maine Politics & Public Policy. Robert Glover, Instructor. TuTh 12:30PM – 1:45PM.
See course description under MES 498 above.

MES 598 – Directed Study in Maine Studies. Kreg Ettenger, Instructor. Online or on campus.
Instructor permission is required for this course. Students should contact the instructor prior to registering for the course to discuss possible topics and develop a course proposal. Class meetings are by arrangement and can be in person or through phone and email.

Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) Courses

IDS courses are offered through the Graduate School for students in the school’s interdisciplinary programs, including the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. Students in these programs should check their requirements to see how many and which IDS courses they are required to take.

IDS 500 – Graduate Seminar in Interdisciplinary Studies. Staff.
Interdisciplinary exploration of selected topics both within and across the areas of humanities, social sciences and the natural sciences. Topic varies from semester to semester. May be taken more than once for credit if topic varies. Department consent required.

IDS 698 – Independent Study. Staff. Orono Campus or Online.
Advanced independent study for students in the MA in Interdisciplinary Studies program on an approved reading, research or experiential field project under the guidance of a graduate faculty member.

IDS 699 – Master Project in Interdisciplinary Studies. Kreg Ettenger, Instructor. Orono Campus or Online.
Required of candidates for the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies completing their capstone projects.