Spring 2022 Maine Studies Courses
The following Maine Studies (MES) courses are tentatively scheduled to be offered Spring 2022 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 needs final approval and might be adjusted due to COVID restrictions.
Maine Studies Courses – Undergraduate
MES 101 – Introduction to Maine Studies. Jen Pickard, Instructor. Online. 1/18-4/29
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 Session. 3/7-4/29
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. Seven-week session. 3/7-4/29
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. 1/18-4/29
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 498 – Advanced Topics in Maine Studies [all sections below have this numerical designation; see Topic description for more information]
Topic: Folklore and the Environment. Pauleena Macdougall, Instructor. Online. 1/18-4/29
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. 1/18-4/29
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.
Topic: Exploring Interdisciplinarity. Dan Soucier, Instructor. Online. 1/18-4/29
Explores Maine Studies at an advanced level using an interdisciplinary approach. Cross-listed with MES 501.
Maine Studies Courses – Graduate
MES 501 – Maine Studies: An Interdisciplinary Approach. Dan Soucier, Instructor. Online. 1/18-4/29
This course provides an introduction to Maine Studies for graduate students, including those in the MAIS degree, Maine Studies Track, for whom it is required. Will provide a useful overview of the topics available in other Maine Studies courses, and help students define their own goals for the MAIS degree.
MES 520 – Advanced Topics in Maine Studies [all sections below have this designation]
Topic: Folklore and the Environment. Pauleena Macdougall, Instructor. Online. 1/18-4/29
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 498 and ANT 431.
Topic: The U.S. Folk Experience. Karen Miller, Instructor. Online. 1/18-4/29
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 498.
MES 540 – Maine and the Northeast Borderlands. Mary Okin, Instructor. Online. 1/18/-4/29
This course examines Maine, Quebec, and the Maritime Provinces as borderland regions that share cultural and natural characteristics. Students learn about the concept of borderlands in literature, history, economics, public policy, anthropology, and political science. Credits: 3
MES 598 – Directed Study in Maine Studies. Kreg Ettenger, Instructor. Online. 1/18/-4/29.
Individually arranged course for self-directed study on a topic of the student’s choosing. Instructor permission required. Student should contact the instructor directly several weeks before the semester (kreg.ettenger@maine.edu) to discuss possible topics and develop course proposal. Class meetings are by arrangement. Credits: 3
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. Department consent required. Contact the Maine Studies Coordinator several weeks before the semester starts to discuss your project idea and submit a proposal.