IU wordmark, white on red, medium

R424 Underwater Parks Shipwreck Museums (3 cr)


"The sea is an underwater museum still awaiting its visitors" Phillipe Diole 1951

Course Description:

Shipwrecks, defined as submerged cultural resources, will be studied as museums underwater, which warrant research and interpretation in situ. Emphasis will be given to the development of historic shipwreck parks, specific to the research and educational programs of Indiana University.

Prerequisites:

Scuba certification recommended.

Course Objectives:

Discuss shipwrecks that have been developed into underwater parks and identify the criteria utilized to determine the significance of these historic and non-historic resources.

Identify federal, state, and private interest groups, concerned with the preservation and interpretation of underwater resources.

Bring the resource closer to the student through discussions of accessible shipwreck sites, maritime museums, historical societies, and other public maritime programs.

Develop the skills necessary to participate in the multidisciplinary scientific investigation of submerged cultural resources.

Text:

"Shipwrecks As Underwater Museums" booklet. Available at the IU Bookstore.
Florida Diver's Guide

Additional materials will be provided.

Class Procedure:

Students will be required to meet once a week during the regular scheduled time for Lecture Sessions. Outside classroom contact hours are required to fulfill requirements for a 3 credit hour course. Outside contact can include IU related research projects, videos, reading materials, and other related activities, that are approved by the instructor. In addition, assignments will include writing to National Agencies related to Underwater Parks for information requests.

Grading:

Class attendance, submitting assignments, letter and materials from park agencies, and final paper.

Instructors:

Charles Beeker Email: cbeeker

855-5748 HPER 294A


For further information e-mail Underwater Science and Educational Resources.

Last updated: 1 December 1999
URL: http://www.indiana.edu/~scuba/parks.html
Comments:Underwater Science Program
Copyright 1995, The Trustees of Indiana University.