University of Virginia Library

University Offers Unique Course In Oceanic Studies
On Regular Basis Next Semester At George Mason

By NEILL ALFORD III

The School of General Studies will
offer its pilot course in oceanic studies on
a regular basis next semester in Northern
Virginia, President Edgar F. Shannon Jr.
announced Tuesday.

The first credit course of its kind in
the country, "Humanities of the Sea" has
been offered on an experimental basis in
recent months by the school through its
Center for Continuing Education at Falls
Church.

The Oceanic Educational Foundation
cosponsors the program, which will be
taught at George Mason College in
Fairfax. Lecturers have included some of
the leading experts in maritime and
oceanic studies in the United States.

Governmental Lecturers

Developed to introduce the discipline
of oceanic education to the American
educational system, the pilot course
"immediately became oversubscribed,
reflecting the mounting interest in
oceanic study," President Shannon said.

Lecturers for the course during the
second semester will include George E.
Low, coordinator of environmental
education for the U.S. Office of
Education, and Representative William R.
Anderson (D—Tenn.), who commanded
the submarine U.S.S. Nautilus during its
submerged crossing of the North Pole.

Other lecturers will include the
chairman of the Federal Maritime
Commission and the director of the
National Sea Grant Program.

Additional Courses

"There is an increasing need for a
number of courses to provide intellectual
insight into the world ocean and man's
increasing dependence upon the
environment of the sea," President
Shannon declared.

A second course in oceanic studies,
"The Science of the Seas," will join the
currently offered course next fall.

President Shannon said that the
University will also organize a credit
course for independent study called "The
World Ocean" in the School of General
Studies.

Oceanic Center

The School of Education will offer a
course for public school teachers entitled
"Teaching the World Ocean" during its
summer session this year.

Palen Flagler, president of the Oceanic
educational Foundation, expressed hope
for eventual "degrees in humanistic
oceanic education and studies to
complement science-resource-research
studies in oceanography."

"I foresee creation of a center of
Oceanic Advancement on the Grounds of
the University which would bring scholars
together in a multidisciplinary pursuit of
the potential of the oceans toward the
betterment of mankind," Mr. Flagler said.

Establishment of a professorship in
oceanic studies would constitute a major
step in developing a program in the
humanities of the sea, President Shannon
noted.

"It is increasingly apparent," he
stated," that all levels of teaching must
afford expanded opportunities for
students to gain knowledge of the
oceans."

The University already offers masters
and doctoral degrees in the field through
its Department of Marine Science in
association with the Virginia Institute of
Marine Science at Gloucester Point.

During the first semester, persons
enrolled in the pilot course in oceanic
studies included educators,
representatives from industry and
government, including the Congress, and
private citizens.