Wintersession in Vietnam - University of Montana

DRAFT SYLLABUS
Deep in the Delta: Wintersession in Vietnam
The University of Montana
December 26, 2011 to January 19, 2012
Course Title and Listings (6 semester credits combined)
NRSM 391: Society, Economy and Environment of the Mekong Delta (3 credits)
This course is cross-listed as:
ENST 391: Society, Economy and Environment of the Mekong Delta
ANTY 391: Society, Economy and Environment of the Mekong Delta
GPHY 391: Society, Economy and Environment of the Mekong Delta
NRSM 395: Climate Change Effects and Adaptation in the Mekong Delta (3 credits)
This course is cross-listed as:
ENST 391: Climate Change Effects and Adaptation in the Mekong Delta
ANTY 391: Climate Change Effects and Adaptation in the Mekong Delta
GPHY 391: Climate Change Effects and Adaptation in the Mekong Delta
Instructors
Ms. Nicky Phear, Instructor and Program Coordinator, Climate Change Studies Program
Several professors from Can Tho University will also provide major contributions to the
program, as indicated in the attached itinerary.
Course Description and Learning Objectives
This course integrates two, three-credit courses: Society, Economy and Environment in the
Mekong Delta and Climate Change Effects and Adaptation in the Mekong Delta. Together, these
courses make the six credit Vietnam study abroad program. The goal of the program is to use the
Mekong Delta case to explore the potential social, economic and environmental impacts of
climate change in a tropical, developing country context. Adaptation strategies and mitigation
opportunities will be emphasized, and comparisons will be made with the North American
context.
Vietnam is an amazing country with welcoming people, a fascinating history and culture, warm
tropical climate, and diverse, but threatened, ecosystems and their associated flora and fauna.
The program will be based out of the city of Can Tho in the Mekong Delta, but include time in
Ho Chi Minh City and two weeks in the field visiting small and large scale agriculture and
aquaculture farming communities, wetlands, forests, Can Tho University agricultural and
mangrove management field experiment stations, and cultural sites (e.g. temples and a traditional
village). Field activities will include investigative learning through conversing with local people
and performing field research in Tram Chim National Park and mangrove forests in Ca Mau
Province. The program also includes a home stay with families in Can Tho.
NRSM 391 Society, Economy and Environment of the Mekong Delta focuses on the history,
culture, economy and environment of Vietnam, with particular emphasis on the Mekong Delta
region. This is achieved through lectures from local professors at Can Tho University, active
participation in field trips, field data collection, analysis and interpretation, the home stay, course
1

eadings, and synthesis provided by University of Montana professors. The goal of this half of
the Vietnam study abroad program is to provide an understanding of the unique environments
and the socio-economy of the Mekong Delta region to facilitate learning about the effects of
climate change on these complex natural and anthropogenic systems. The specific course
objectives include:
• Understanding the historical climate and distribution and ecological diversity of natural
ecosystems in the Mekong Delta;
• Developing an understanding of the ecology and ecosystem services provided by large
floodplain rivers, like the Mekong River, and mangrove ecosystems in the Mekong Delta;
• Developing an understanding of the historical and contemporary political and socioeconomic
contexts in which the Mekong River and Delta in Vietnam have been managed.
• Understanding the current land uses, including land management practices in the Mekong
Delta;
• Understanding the condition and causes of the current state of health of natural
ecosystems in the Mekong Delta;
• Developing an appreciation of the socio-economic condition and common livelihood
activities of people living in the Delta, including agriculture and aquaculture development
and management practices;
• Understanding the growing importance of tourism for local livelihoods and the economy
of the Mekong Delta;
• Developing an understanding of the perceptions and attitudes that local people have about
their environment, including climate change impacts, and possible adaptation strategies;
• Understanding the historical and contemporary anthropogenic impacts on the Mekong
Delta and how the Mekong River and the Delta’s ecosystems affect peoples’ lives; and,
• Recognizing complexities in Mekong Delta management due to the river catchment
spanning Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and China.
NRSM 391 Climate Change Effects and Adaptation in the Mekong Delta focuses on the
threats posed by climate change in Vietnam, with particular emphasis on the Mekong Delta
region. This is achieved through lectures from Can Tho University professors, active
participation in field trips, field data collection, analysis and interpretation, the homestay, course
readings, and synthesis provided by University of Montana professors. The goal of this half of
the Vietnam study abroad program is to provide an understanding of the potential impacts of
climate change on the ecosystems and people of the Mekong Delta, and explore opportunities for
people to adapt to and mitigate these impacts. The specific course objectives include:
• Becoming familiar with future climate scenarios for Vietnam, particularly the Mekong
Delta region;
• Understanding the scale and severity of potential ecological and socio-economic impacts
of climate change in the Mekong Delta;
• Understanding the Vietnamese government position on climate change. What climate
change-related policies are in place and how is the government addressing the problem?;
2

• Understanding the level of knowledge, interest and concern that the people of Vietnam
have about climate change and their ideas about potential mitigation and adaptation
strategies;
• Developing an understanding of the technical feasibility and economic efficiency of
potential adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect ecological health, livelihoods and
infrastructure in Vietnam; and,
• Developing an appreciation of the similarities and differences in climate change impacts,
government policies, and potential adaptation and mitigation opportunities between
Vietnam and North America.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites, but eligible students must be accepted by the University of Montana
and be in good academic standing at their home institution.
Compulsory pre-departure meetings
Students are required to attend two compulsory two-hour pre-trip meetings, one in November
and another in December before the end of finals week, for an introduction to the program and to
discuss preparations for the trip.
Required and Recommended Readings
Required pre-departure course readings (to be revised by December 9, 2011)
1. Vietnam Study Abroad Booklet.
2. State Department Background Notes on Vietnam.
3. Lonely Planet Vietnam Travel Guide (not the Hanoi and Halong Bay travel guide). Provides
an introduction to the history and culture of the country, along with travel tips.
4. Waibel, M. (2008). Implications and challenges of climate change for Vietnam. Pacific
News. Nr. 29, January/February. 2 pages.
5. The Copenhagen Diagnosis. (2009). Updating the World on the Latest Climate Science. I.
Allison, N.L. Bindoff, R.A. Bindschadler, P.M. Cox, N. de Noblet, M.H. England, J.E.
Francis, N. Gruber, A.M. Haywood, D.J. Karoly, G. Kaser, C. Le Quéré, T.M. Lenton, M.E.
Mann, B.I. McNeil, A.J. Pitman, S. Rahmstorf, E. Rignot, H.J. Schellnhuber, S.H. Schneider,
S.C. Sherwood, R.C.J. Somerville, K. Steffen, E.J. Steig, M. Visbeck, A.J. Weaver. The
University of New South Wales. 64 pages.
6. Climate Change Research Centre (CCRC), Sydney, Australia, 60pp. Perlman, D.L. &Morris,
J.R. (2007). What the IPCC said: A citizens’ guide to the IPCC summary for policy makers.
Washington, D.C.: Island Press. Includes the Summary for Policy Makers. 56 pages.
7. Parry, M.L., Canziani, O.F., Palutikof, J.P., van der Linden, P.J and Hansen, C.E. (eds)
(2007), Contribution of Working Group II to the Fourth Assessment Report of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 2007, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Read a) Chapter 6: Coastal Systems and Low Lying Areas (pp. 317-345) and b) Chapter 10:
Asia (pp. 471-497).
3

8. White, I. (2002). Water management in the Mekong: Changes, conflicts & opportunities.
International Hydrological Programme. UNESCO, Paris. pp. 5-24.
9. Mong, A. (2007). A farmer’s son tried to save the Mekong Delta. World Blog. Retrieved
from: http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2007/09/24/4376400-a-farmers-son-tries-tosave-the-mekong-delta.
10. Speech by H.E. Mr. Cao Duc Phat, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Head of
Viet Nam’s Delegation at the Joint High-Level Segment of the United Nations Climate
Change, 10 December 2010. 2 pages.
Recommended course readings (download onto your computer to take with you)
11. Adger, W.N. (1999), ‘Social vulnerability to climate change and extremes in coastal
Vietnam’, World Development, 27(2): 249-269.
12. Dasgupta, S., Laplante, B., Meisner, C., Wheeler, D. and Yan, J. (2009), The impact of sea
level rise on developing countries: a comparative analysis, Climatic Change, 93(3-4): 379-
388. Especially the section on East Asia, where Vietnam gets special treatment.
13. Do, T.N. and Bennett, J. (2009), ‘Estimating wetland biodiversity values: a choice modeling
application in Vietnam’s Mekong River Delta’, Environment and Development Economics,
14(2): 163-186.
14. Erwin, K.L. (2009), ‘Wetlands and global climate change: the role of wetland restoration in a
changing world’, Wetlands Ecology and Management, 17(1): 71-84. The Mekong Delta
features in this paper.
15. Hirsch, P. (2006), ‘Water governance reform and catchment management in the Mekong
region’, Journal of Environment and Development, 15(2): 184-201. Transboundary
governance of the Mekong River.
16. Kelly, P.M. and Adger, W.N. (2000), ‘Theory and practice in assessing vulnerability to
climate change and facilitating adaptation’, Climatic Change, 47(4): 325-352. An application
to coastal Vietnam.
17. Economist. (2010). Adapting to climate change: Facing the consequences. Nov. 25. Print
Edition.
18. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. (2008). National target program to respond
to climate change. 111 pages.
19. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. (2003). Viet Nam Initial National
Communication: Under the United Nations framework Convention on Climate Change. 135
pages.
4

Readings: Course readings can be accessed via the links provided above and will be available
electronically through the University of Montana Library by December 9, 2011. To access the
readings, go to the following website: http://eres.lib.umt.edu/courseindex.asp. Search via the
instructor “Phear”, click on the course “Vietnam Wintersession” and use the password
“Vietnam.” Please download these readings onto your computer and print any for which you
would like hardcopies. Please contact Nicky with any questions or difficulties downloading or
printing the readings. Make sure you do the required pre-departure readings before arriving in
Ho Chi Minh City. The first question set, will draw from these readings and is due December 31.
Compulsory post-trip activities
Students and the University of Montana instructors will meet early in Spring semester for a twohour
de-brief and final synthesis of the program.
Computers
While we are in Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City we will have access to hotel wireless internet
connection, internet cafes, and sometimes hotel business room facilities. This level of access may
be sufficient for keeping in touch with friends and family via email. However, it is unlikely to be
sufficient for completing question sets and the term paper. Neat, hand written assessment items
will be perfectly acceptable during the program. Nevertheless, you are strongly encouraged to
bring along a laptop computer if you do have access to one. Please always keep your laptop with
you in your carry-on luggage while travelling, and be sure to bring a power adapter.
Assessment
The following table outlines the assessment for the program. There are seven assessment items
(including four question sets). Because of the complementary nature of the two courses that
together make up the Vietnam study abroad program, these assessment items do cover both
NRSM 391 Society, Economy and Environment of the Mekong Delta and NRSM 391 Climate
Change Effects and Adaptation in the Mekong Delta. Instructor will assign separate grades for
both classes for each assessment item.
Item Date % course
grade
Question sets
1) History, economy, and culture of Vietnam
2) Impact of climate change on Vietnam’s coastal and lowlying
areas
3) Livelihoods and Climate Change. Choose one of the
following three topics:
a. Agriculture and aquaculture livelihoods
b. Tourism in Vietnam
c. Mangrove ecology and fishing communities
4) Responding to climate change
Blog post (one required; question set #4 can be substituted for a
second blog post, with instructor permission)
Field journal including one-minute responses for each speaker
Participation
5
31 December
7 January
13 January
23 January
19 January
23 January
15
15
15
15
15
20
5

Question sets
Each question set will require students to answer a series of questions drawing from lecture
notes, readings, and field experiences. There is a 500-700 word limit for each question set.
References including personal communications (e.g. from professors and local people) and
information available from field trips are encouraged. These should be cited within the paper in
the author-date style and listed in a references section at the end of the essay. References are in
addition to the 500-700 word limit. Papers can be hand-written or emailed to the instructor by the
due dates listed below.
December 31:
1) History, economy, and culture of Vietnam. Discuss important historic influences, current
domestic and international issues concerning Vietnam, political and economic structure, and
important cultural customs and practices.
January 7:
2) Climate change impacts on Vietnam’s coastal and low-lying areas. Detail current
sensitivity and vulnerability, future trends in terms of impacts and vulnerabilities, and adaptation
and mitigation options.
January 13:
3) Livelihoods and climate change. Choose one of the following three topics:
a. Agriculture and aquaculture livelihoods. Choose one agriculture or aquaculture
livelihood in the Mekong Delta: describe the land use practice and the predominant
environmental and economic sustainability issues; discuss also the potential impact of
climate change and one potential adaptation strategy.
b. Tourism in Vietnam. Discuss the importance of tourism for local livelihoods and the
economy of the Mekong Delta; describe at least one important tourism site and the
potential climate change impact on this site.
c. Mangrove ecology and fishing communities. Describe the ecology and ecosystem
services of the mangroves ecosystems, discuss current conditions resulting from
anthropogenic change to the Delta, compare farming systems that do and do not integrate
mangrove management, and explain one implications of climate change.
January 23:
6) Responding to climate change. Drawing on course learning: What are the key impacts and
vulnerabilities facing Vietnam? What is your sense for local understanding and perception of
climate change impacts? What options does the country have for mitigating and adapting to
climate change? What role and responsibility does the USA have and the world at large?
Blog post
Students will write one, 500-600 word weblog entry on a particular topic of interest that you
expect will emerge from our experiences and course learning. By December 14, you will need to
send Nicky a list of three possible topics you may want to cover. With advanced approval, you
are allowed to substitute the 4 th question set for a second blog post. These blog posts will be
6

edited and posted on the Climate Change Studies website. More detailed instructions and
guidelines for blog writing will be provided separately.
Field Journal and One-Minute Responses
Students are expected to keep a personal journal chronicling insights and learning and specific
notes from guest speakers. Students are not expected to submit their journals. You will need to
submit ‘one minute responses’ following each presentation expressing 1) what was new and
interesting to you about the presentation, 2) what (if any) was the speaker’s perspective in
climate change, and 3) what questions do you still have.
Participation
Active participation in all scheduled program–related activities is required, including group
meetings, discussions, field excursions, as well as lectures and any other scheduled activities.
Your participation grade will be based on both your academic and experiential participation. We
expect active engagement in class discussions, with course speakers and academic activities. We
also expect you to participate in the necessary practical aspects of the course, including respect
for local customs and culture, safety consciousness, following directions, and timeliness.
Attendance and lateness policy
During the field studies, no student is to leave the group without the consent of a University of
Montana instructor, and punctual attendance at all field and on-campus meetings is required.
Unless an absence is approved by one of the instructors, students will lose 10% of their final
grade for each day or part-day they fail to participate. Any unexcused absences or continued late
arrival to program activities may, at the discretion of University of Montana instructors, be
grounds for dismissal from the program.
Permission must be obtained in advance to turn in any assignment late. A standard policy of
subtracting 10% per day late (or part of day late) is fair to everyone (students, instructors, and
administration).
Some things to consider when preparing for the trip
Climate
This trip is taking place during Vietnamese dry season (some locals refer to this period as
winter); the most comfortable time of year for outdoor activities in the Mekong Delta. The
average daily minimum and maximum temperatures in Can Tho in January are 22ºC (72ºF) and
28ºC (82ºF), respectively. The average daily humidity in January is 71% and average monthly
precipitation is about two inches (compared to 89% and 19 inches in August!). Nevertheless,
accept that you are probably going to be hot and sticky whenever you are moving around
outside. Drink plenty of water. These conditions also make it important to bathe regularly and
not to let dirty clothes accumulate in piles. Keep ahead of your laundry pile by washing clothes
regularly and hang dirty clothes to air out if you are not washing them right away.
Medication and immunization
Visit your doctor or the County Health Clinic to find out what vaccinations you may require
before travelling to Vietnam, and medication to prevent contracting malaria (such as Malarone)
and for treating an upset stomach (such as Ciprofloxacin). You should seriously consider being
7

immunized against typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningitis, Japanese encephalitis, tetanus
and polio.
Dress code
In general, Vietnam has a conservative dress code. Dress code laws do not appear to be strictly
enforced in Vietnam, but regulations governing Vietnam’s historic sites and tourist attractions
state that “Entry is forbidden to tourists wearing sleeveless shirts or shorts”. At universities and
cultural sites and other tourist attractions, plan to wear long pants or long skirts or dresses. Long
or short-sleeve shirts are acceptable. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not acceptable. Dirty clothes
are not acceptable.
When getting around Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho in your free time, shorts will generally be
acceptable, but consider where you plan to go and dress appropriately. Clothing that exposes the
belly button and shoulders are not appropriate anywhere.
For our field trips, long pants are recommended for men and women, but shorts will be
acceptable in many cases (check with the Can Tho University professors leading field trips).
Long or short sleeved shirts will be acceptable. Your clothes will get dirty in the field and this
will be acceptable in rural areas
Homestay
In Can Tho, all students will enjoy a homestay experience for a few days with a local family.
Although we will be busy with other learning activities during your home stay, this experience
will help you to appreciate life and culture in Vietnam, and hopefully discover some things about
yourself. You will find your hosts to be friendly and open with you, but remember that to make
the most of your experience you will need to reciprocate and spend time with your family. You
will be expected to behave as a self-supporting adult member of the household. Be aware of and
sensitive to how your presence can contribute positively and negatively to the family. More
information about the homestay will be provided at a pre-departure meeting and in Vietnam.
In the field
Make sure you have with you each day:
• sturdy, closed shoes;
• at least two liters of water (Avoid drinking tap water. We will be buying bottled water);
• field notebook, pencils/pens and a map of the Mekong Delta to get you oriented (we will
obtain from a bookstore in Can Tho);
• hat, sunglasses and sunscreen;
• insect repellant (consider wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants if you are particularly
concerned about insect bites);
• raincoat and a dry shirt;
• snacks to eat in between meals provided if you think you will need them;
• any medication or medical supplies you might require; and
• binoculars and camera.
8

Academic honesty
All academic work must meet standards of academic honesty (as described in the Student
Handbook). Each student is responsible for informing themselves about those standards before
performing any academic work. Academic dishonesty is not just copying the work of others, but
also includes such behaviors as tolerating the academic dishonesty of others or giving false
reasons for failure to take a test.
Your signature on any exam or name printed on any assignment indicates your acceptance of the
following policy: “I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this exam or
assignment.” Please give due credit to other people’s ideas by referencing or quoting the source.
Special accommodations
Any student with a disability who needs an accommodation or other assistance in this course
must contact the instructor and AUIP at least four weeks before the program begins. After that
time, we cannot guarantee that such needs can be accommodated. Some activities involve
moderate exercise, such as hiking and swimming and participation is voluntary for all students.
Conduct regulations
All students must be familiar with the general conduct regulations described in the Student
Handbook. Below are other program-specific conduct regulations to which students must adhere.
Failure to obey these policies may result in dismissal from the program, at the discretion of the
Program Director.
Student Conduct in Accommodation: Our program depends on goodwill between us and
accommodation owners and managers, including homestay families. If we have any issues with
unpleasant or noisy conduct in the accommodations, it creates problems when we attempt to
book for the students in the NEXT program. Thus, for the sake of the students that follow you,
improper conduct in the accommodations that disturb other guests or the staff or cause damage
are not acceptable and can be grounds for dismissal from the program.
Conduct in the Field: Students must follow the instructions of staff exactly and promptly when
in the field. This is a serious safety issue when we are doing outdoor activities in particular.
Failure to follow instructions that incur actual or likely physical harm to self or others, or result
in time wasted by the staff or other students may, at the discretion of the Program Director, be
grounds for dismissal from the program.
Itinerary—See Next Page
9

Tentative Itinerary for University of Montana Vietnam Study Abroad Program
27 December 2011 to 19 January 2012
Note that these are the days in Vietnam. We will be meeting twice prior in the fall semester for
two hours each and you will have pre-departure work to complete. You will need to depart the
USA no later than 26 December to arrive in Vietnam by 27 December. Because we gain a day
returning to the USA, we will depart Vietnam and return to Missoula on 19 January. There will
be one two-hour post-tour meeting early in spring semester.
Tuesday 27 December Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
10 pm – 11pm
Accommodation
Flights arrive, meet at airport. Check into hotel.
Victory Hotel
Wednesday 28 December Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City
9:00 am
10:30 am to 11:00 am
11:00 pm to 12:00 pm
12:30-3:00 pm
3:00-5:00 pm
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm:
Accommodation
Breakfast at hotel
Group walk to change money
Lunch
Introduction to Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City. Geographical
overview, history (including French and American influence)
and Vietnam today (including its place in the world, and
international relations), important domestic and international
issues and concerns Vietnam is confronting today, overview
of government system and structure, overview of the Vietnam
economy. Introduction to culture, learning some basic
Vietnamese phrases and travel tips for Ho Chi Minh City.
Walk to US Consulate for meetings and then return to Hotel
Group dinner
Victory Hotel
Thursday 29 December Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City
8:30 am to 9:30 am
9:30 am to 1:00 pm
1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Group breakfast at hotel
Depart by van to International University of HCMC to meet
with University students, including Saigon 350 club. Lunch
at the University.
Visit War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace with
students from International University.
10

5:30 pm
Accommodation
Group dinner with Vietnamese students from International
University at Quan Ngon, a popular, slightly up-scale
restaurant at 160 Pasteur Street. Only 15 minute walk from
Victory Hotel.
Victory Hotel
Friday 30 December Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City
8:30 am to 9:30 am
9:30 am to 4:00 pm
5:30 pm
Accommodation
Group breakfast at hotel
Field trip to a factory—clothes or food processing. Focus on
current economy, development, and globalization.
Group dinner
Victory Hotel
Saturday 31 December Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City
8:30 am to 9:30 am
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
5:30 pm
Accommodation
Breakfast on your own
Group debrief meeting/class. Work on Question Set # 1:
History, economy, and culture of Vietnam.
QUESTION SET #1 DUE – History, economy, and
culture of Vietnam
Group dinner and enjoy New Year’s Eve festivities in
downtown Ho Chi Minh City as a group
Victory Hotel
Sunday 1 January Day 5: Can Tho
8:00 am
10:00 am
2:00 pm
3:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Accommodation
On your own for breakfast and to walk around downtown.
Depart for Can Tho City (pick up by CTU bus) with lunch on
route
Check- in to Guest House Number 2
Orientation and visit to ‘Old Can Tho’ along the Mekong
River in the part of town where we will be staying. Visit
market, museum. Dinner from outdoor street food vendors by
the Mekong River.
Guest House Number 2, Can Tho
11

Monday 2 January Day 6 Can Tho
9:00 am to 10:30 am
11:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Accommodation
Tuesday 3 January Day 7: Can Tho
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Accommodation
Dr. Le Khuong Ninh: The economy of the Mekong Delta,
livelihoods of local people, economic impacts of climate
change on the Mekong Delta
Vietnamese culture lecture and activities – music (am) and
language/religion (pm) with Mr. Le Dinh Bich
Guest House Number 2, Can Tho
Development in the Mekong Delta with Dr Nguyen Huu
Chiem
• Agriculture and aquaculture development, management
practices and environmental and socio-economic impacts
• Other important industries in the Mekong Delta
• Discuss the complex issues surrounding sustainable
development in the Mekong Delta
Lunch at university cafeteria
Exploration
Guest House Number 2, Can Tho
Wednesday 4 January Day 8: Hoa An Experimental Station
7:00 am
8:30 am to 12:00 pm
Travel to Hoa An Experimental Station
Climate change lecture form Director Bio-diversity
Application Research Center, Dr. Duong Van Ni and
overview of Hoa An Experimental Station
• Historical and contemporary climate, distribution and
diversity of natural ecosystems, human habitation and land
use
• Socio-economic pressures to develop the Mekong Delta
and Government policies related to the Mekong Delta
• Human impacts on the Mekong Delta and how the Delta’s
ecosystems have affected people
• International management of the Mekong River
• Key environmental and economic sustainability issues in
the region
• Future climate and sea level projections for the Mekong
Delta
• Introduce land use and climate change-related
environmental and economic impacts that will be explored
throughout the course
• Discuss what is being done today in the Mekong Delta to
12

12 pm to 1 pm
1 pm to 5 pm
6 pm to 7 pm
Accommodation
mitigate future climate change impacts and highlight other
possibilities.
• Describe how students will explore climate change
impacts in Vietnam throughout the rest of the program
(UM professor to lead).
Lunch at Hoa An Experimental Station
Tour experimental farms and facilities, and potentially offsite
points of interest including the local canals and local
community.
Dinner at Hoa An Experimental Station
Dormitories at Hoa An Experimental Station
Thursday 5 January Day 9: Hoa An Experimental Station to Can Tho
8:30 am to 10:30 am
10:30 am
4:00 pm
Accommodation
Morning wrap-up discussion with Dr. Ni, return to Can Tho
Drive back to Can Tho City
Check-in at homestay host
Homestay
Friday 6 January Day 10: Can Tho
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Accommodation
Mangrove ecology and management with Dr. Nguyen Van
Be
Lunch at Can Tho University
Free time to work on second question set: Impact of Climate
Change on Vietnam’s coastal and low lying areas.
Home stay
Saturday 7 January Day 11: Can Tho
4:00 am to 12:00 pm
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Can Tho Floating Markets with Mr. Huynh Van Da.
Explore tourist sites of interest sites around Can Tho,
including islands in the Mekong River and discuss economic
significance. Discuss potential climate change impacts on
these sites and tourism-related livelihood activities
Lunch
Afternoon naptime.
13

Accommodation
QUESTION SET #2 DUE – Climate change impacts on
Vietnam’s coastal and low-lying areas
Home stay
Sunday 8 January Day 12: Can Tho
am/pm
Accommodation
Spend the day with homestay family
Home stay
Monday 9 January Day 13: Soc Trang – Fishing Village – Bac Lieu
6:30 am to 9:00 am
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Accommodation
Travel to Soc Trang.
Lunch at restaurant in Soc Trang
Travel to coastal fishing village with Dr. Nguyen Van Be,
learn about the livelihoods of local fishers through
discussions with fishing families. How is climate change
likely to affect the natural environment upon which their
livelihood depends?
Dinner with a fishing farmer or in Bac Lieu
Hotel in Bac Lieu
Tuesday 10 January Day 14: Farms on road from Bac Lieu – Ca Mau
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Accommodation
With Dr. Nguyen Van Be visit family and commercial
agricultural farms (rice and shrimp) and aquaculture farms.
Visit the large dyke being built near the highway to protect
farmland from sea water intrusion due to climate change.
Hotel in Ca Mau
Wednesday 11 January Day 15: Ca Mau – Nam Can
8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Accommodation
With Dr. Nguyen Van Be visit coastal sites where
mangroves have been removed and where healthy stands
remain to demonstrate the importance of mangroves for
stabilizing the coast and for healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Explore the implications of climate change on the health of
mangrove ecosystems and the flow-on implications for
marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Field research activities in
mangrove forests.
Can Tho University facilities at Nam Can
14

Thursday 12 January Day 16: Nam Can
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Accommodation
With Dr. Nguyen Van Be explore the implications of climate
change on the health of mangrove ecosystems and the flowon
implications for marine and terrestrial ecosystems. What
are the implications of unhealthy mangrove ecosystems for
local livelihoods and Vietnamese society more generally?
Return to Can Tho, including one hour stop at roadside
restaurant for dinner.
Guest House Number 2, Can Tho
Friday 13 January Day 17: Can Tho
11:00 -12:30 am
11:30 am onward
Accommodation
Group debrief discussion
Explore Can Tho and work on third question set: Livelihoods
and Climate Change.
QUESTION SET #3 DUE – Livelihoods and climate
change
Guest House Number 2, Can Tho
Saturday 14 January Day 18: Can Tho to An Giang Province
7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Accommodation
Visit An Giang Province to explore international Mekong
River management issues, forested upland areas, cultural
sights – Ethnic Cambodian village, agriculture and the unique
aquaculture performed in this part of the country. Hike Mt.
Sam.
Tentative: With families in the ethnic Cambodian Village or
hotel
Sunday 15 January Day 19: An Giang Province to Tram Chim National Park
8:30 am to 10:30 am
11:00 am to 12 pm
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Accommodation
Drive to Tram Chim National Park
Presentation about the history, ecology and management of
the Park by park manager
Lunch at National Park office
Tour and discussion of the Park ecosystems, management
units, park boundary issues
Hotel near Tram Chim National Park
15

Monday 16 January Day 20: Tram Chim National Park to Can Tho
10 am to 2:00 pm
Accommodation
Return to Can Tho City
Guest House Number 2, Can Tho
Tuesday 17 January Day 21: Can Tho
am
pm
Accommodation
Free morning. Time to read and work on blog(s) and oneminute
responses.
Group wrap up discussion: Responding to climate change.
Guest House Number 2, Can Tho
Wednesday 18 January Day 22: Ho Chi Minh City
10:00 am
5:30 pm
Accommodation
Return to Ho Chi Minh City, final shopping, course
evaluations
Final Group diner
Victory Hotel
Thursday 19 January Day 23: Ho Chi Minh City to Missoula
7:00 am onward
Depart Vietnam for Missoula
Totals for NRSM 391 Society, Economy and Environment of the Mekong Delta and NRSM 391
Climate Change Effects and Adaptation in the Mekong Delta
Total classroom contact: 49 hours (equiv. to 3.27 credits)
Total laboratory work: 85 hours (equiv. to 2.83 credits)
Travel time not included.
TOTAL 6.0 credits
16