The Himalaya: Evolution of a Mountain Belt, Environment and Culture

Dates: February 8 - March 1, 2021
Meets: Mon. from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon
 Location: Online Presentation
Cost:  $55.00

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Date Day Time
02/08/2021Monday10 AM to 12 N
02/15/2021Monday10 AM to 12 N
02/22/2021Monday10 AM to 12 N
03/01/2021Monday10 AM to 12 N

Please note: This course program requires membership in a 2020 - 2021 OLLI at MSU Membership or 2021 - 2022 OLLI at MSU Membership or 2021 - 2022 OLLI at MSU Membership

In this course, Mary Hubbard and Michelle Grocke, both professors at MSU, will examine the Himalaya, from its geologic evolution, through modern environmental challenges, to the human condition. This unique mountain setting has environmental challenges resulting from the building of roads, growth of tourism and climate change, and the mountain inhabitants face health challenges as a result. Participants will study and discuss the lives of these people by exploring their religion, language and livelihoods, past and present, and the challenges they now face.
Fee:  $55.00

Online Presentation

This is a real-time (live) online class that meets at the specified day(s)/time(s) listed.

We will send you a reminder email with login instructions one business day before the program start date. If there are additional sessions, we will send reminders the morning of those sessions.

Michelle Grocke

Michelle Grocke is an assistant professor in the Department of Health and Human Development at MSU and the Health and Wellness Specialist for MSU Extension. She is a medical anthropologist by training and has spent years researching the socio-cultural and environmental determinants of health in rural areas globally and in Montana. In Nepal, she has worked to better understand the impacts of road access on health in areas such as food insecurity, non-communicable disease risk and subjective well-being.

Mary Hubbard

Mary Hubbard is a professor of geology in the Department of Earth Sciences at MSU. Her research focuses on the geology of mountain belts. She began her research career working in the Himalaya and has since worked on a number of mountain belts around the world. She also held administrative positions for 15 years before returning to the faculty. Her current research is focused on Himalayan geology in Nepal.
Date Day Time Location
02/08/2021Monday10 AM to 12 N Online Presentation
02/15/2021Monday10 AM to 12 N Online Presentation
02/22/2021Monday10 AM to 12 N Online Presentation
03/01/2021Monday10 AM to 12 N Online Presentation

  • An understanding of how the Himalayas formed from a geologic perspective.
  • An understanding of modern environmental challenges in the Himalayas, ranging from earthquakes and landslides to pollution and water issues
  • An understanding of Himalayan culture, including religion, language and livelihoods.
  • An understanding of some of the current health challenges faced by those living in the Himalayan region.