Interdisciplinary Arts 0266 - Getting It Out There

Students, faculty and alums will collaborate to bring promising design work, which benefits people living in poverty to a place where it can reach its intended audience on a wider scale. For the Spring 2014, we will focus on developing a human powered pearl millet thresher that will be field tested during Fall 2014. Pearl millet is a highly nutritious staple cereal grown and consumed in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. The plant requires no irrigation and is grown in the harshest of conditions. Much of the grain grown in sub-Saharan Africa is produced and consumed by millions of people who grow it on small farms, pound and thresh it by hand. Students interested in applied design, anthropology, and agriculture are encouraged to consider taking this class. Entry to this course is by application, not open to first year students.

In this course, students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. This time includes both individual and group project work, along with reading and writing.