Great Personalities: Dian Fossey

In this class we will explore the life and contributions of Dian Fossey, as well as learn about gorillas, the country of Rwanda, and animal conservation efforts. This class will be broken up into 8 week classes. Each class will consist of a 15-25 minute powerpoint lecture that will include recordings, pictures, and film. The remaining class time will be used for a guided discussion over what we have learned and the student’s individual thoughts and opinions regarding the lessons. A pencil and paper are suggested for brief note taking during the lecture, but are not required. These notes are to be used to help the student during the guided discussion. 

Week 1 – Her childhood and early adulthood
Week 2 –  Spending her life savings for a trip to Africa; Meeting the Leakeys; Meeting Joan 
and Alan Root
Week 3 – Accepting Leakeys invitation; studying in Democratic Republic of Congo
Week 4 – Brief history of Rwanda - the culture and attitudes towards animals
Week 5 – Establishing Karisoke Research Foundation
Week 6 –  What did her research teach us about gorillas?
Week 7 –  A brief look at her book “Gorillas in the mist”; comparison of her life and studies to that of Jane Goodall
Week 8 –  Her death; The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the state of animal conservation today