"The initial response to advertisements for the course were initially significant," said its instructor, Professor Bob Burkholder. "But since only four students ended up taking the class, it is uncertain as to whether we will try this again."

A large factor in this small sign-up is most likely the cost, since students in the class pay a $1,675 course fee.

"This is the amount that one would normally pay to travel to the Grand Canyon," Burkholder explained.

With the price aside, it is also important to know that English 297 offers more than just the final trip.

According to Katie Earley, conference planner for continuing and distance education, the course concentrates on a wide range of subjects related to the Grand Canyon.

"It entails readings every week on environmental literature and the geography and geology of the places they (students) are studying," Earley said.

Burkholder also stresses that English 297 is, for the most part, a regular class. It meets twice a week, 75 minutes each time, in a small room in Burrowes Building.

"We have a regular syllabus with readings and assignments," Burkholder said. The course work is directed toward preparing the students for their visit to the Grand Canyon.

The four students currently enrolled in the program will be traveling with Burkholder for six days and six-nights during the week of May 13 to 19 to Las Vegas and then rafting down the Colorado River.

"As a student who learns about these areas throughout their spring semester, it will be more meaningful to actually go to the Grand Canyon and get the feeling of it," Earley said. "They are sure to have a deeper appreciation for what they have learned."

The students will also be responsible for keeping a journal and documenting their experiences.

"This course is better for those kids who don't want to just sit in a classroom and take notes," Earley said.

According to Burkholder, the future of this program is still up in the air.

"Theoretically, the person who has to do it gets more from it," Burkholder said. "This literature-backpacking has definite benefits and I am hopeful to have a repeat of English 297 next year."