Natural Science 0382 - Agricultural Issues Seminar

This course will study sustainable agriculture or agroecology at a relatively advanced level with readings and discussions of the current literature, visiting and working on projects at the Hampshire College Farm, and class trips to other farms, gardens, and other production or research facilities. Some previous experience in farm/class/project work in agriculture or ecology is expected. The class in part may take the form of a seminar, where for some classes the students each choose topics, often from their own work (e.g., Div III), for which they provide readings and then make presentations, or lead discussions, trips, work sessions or demonstrations. There will also be topics and sessions provided by the farm staff and faculty and visitors. Examples of topics could include recent literature and/or activities on the production potential of organic/sustainable farming to meet world food needs, the future sustainability of N, P, K and other fertilizer nutrients, crop diversification as a tool (e.g., polyculture, push-pull crops, shade coffee), pest resistance to cultural as well as chemical controls, the pros and cons of GM crops, the pros and cons of biofuels, nonchemical weed control (e.g., roller-crimpers), Hampshire campus production plans, the relative nutritional value of organic vegetables, permaculture or edible forest gardening, urban farming, recent problems with honeybees, movements to produce local food, international food sovereignty, the limits of market agriculture, Cuban agriculture, and more.

Independent Work In this course students are generally expected to spend at least 6 to 8 hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.