Whale Book Club

If the class is Sold Out you can join the wait list emailing to monika@orcabehaviorinstitute.org

Scholarship available for this class:

Registration opens:

SOLD OUT

Class Cost:

$599 (full version) or $399 (virtual version)

This 9-week virtual course is designed to take participants back to a time before humans began any scientific inquiry on the orca populations that currently occupy the Salish Sea. Through a progressive exploration, participants will read and discuss a series of literary works, participate in “watch parties” of chosen films and movies, and join in author Q&As and presentations that define early attitudes and assumptions towards killer whales, along with the birth of orca research that began here in British Columbia and Washington State. This course concludes with a Saturday excursion to historic Penn Cove, along with a whale watch tour to experience the beauty of the Salish Sea and potentially encounter killer whales. There are also"virtual only" seats available that include the full virtual course minus the in-person excursion.

Cost:

‍$599 per person - full version including in-person excursions, SOLD OUT

‍
$399 per person - virtual version, SOLD OUT
‍

Minimum 8 students needed for class to run (Update: Minimum students already subscribed)

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Included with the class are:

9 two-hour virtual Zoom sessions that include group book discussions, lectures, author Q&As, guest speakers, and virtual "watch parties" of curated films

A copy of the out-of-print book "Namu" by Ted Griffin

Access to a private Discord server to connect with instructors and build community with other participants

An in-person trip to historic Penn Cove with sailing excursion and a whale-watch excursion from Anacortes, Washington *Full registrants only

Not included with the class:

Copies of "The Killer Whale Who Changed the World" and "Puget Sound Whales for Sale"

Virtual "tickets" to the Amazon Prime movie watch parties, which must be purchased by renting or buying each film

Transportation to/from Penn Cove and Anacortes for the in-person portion of this course

Virtual sessions are held via Zoom from 6:30-8:30 PM PST

Book 1: The Killer Whale Who Changed The World - Mark Leiren Young
Thursday February 6
Thursday February 13
Thursday February 20

Book 2: Namu - Ted Griffin
Thursday March 6
Thursday March 13
Thursday March 20

Book 3: Puget Sound Whales for Sale - Sandra Pollard
Thursday April 3
Thursday April 10
Thursday April 17

Final Excursions (For full registrants only)
Saturday April 26 - 2 hours of sailing in Penn Cove
Sunday April 27 - 3 hour whale and wildlife cruise departing from Anacortes

There are no specific prerequisites other than a willingness to learn and engage with others throughout this educational experience. No specific scientific background is needed; in fact, we anticipate everyone's unique backgrounds, perspectives, and feelings will enrich the experience for all involved. The general expectation is that participants will read each book before the deadline, generate thoughts and questions about each book and/or film, and engage with their peers in lively discussions and Q&As.

Who is this course designed for?

Anyone 18 and older who wants to:

Expand their knowledge on the history and evolution of human relationships to killer whales in the region

Enjoys "deep diving" on topics and considering different perspectives

Can keep an open mind while engaging in respectful conversation

Looks forward to building community with other individuals who share the same passions

What does it cost and how do I sign up?

‍Full class seats including the in-person excursions are $599.

Virtual-only seats including all the nine online meetings but not the in-person excursions are $399.

Splitting the class fee into 2 equal payments is also an option with an additional 2.9% per
payment added to cover transaction fees. You can ask for a payment plan emailing to monika@orcabehaviorinstitute.org

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancel by January 15 for refund minus a $50 administrative fee. No refunds for cancellations made January 16 or later.