Natural Science 0250 - Agriculture, Ecology, and Society

This course (combining NS: 150, 250, and 350) examines agriculture as a set of ecological systems and issues, focusing on organic and/or sustainable methods, and agroecology. It refers to ecology in the sense of interactions between organisms (e.g., pests and predators) and the larger sense of environmental impacts (e.g., pollution; climate change), along with key related social issues and solutions. A broad range of topics will be covered, including pesticide problems and alternatives, soil fertility and erosion, animals in agriculture, genetically modified crops, biofuels, farm labor, global vs. local trade, and more. Course work will consist of readings, discussion, writings, farm work/observations, and projects. We'll introduce current issues and practices for a more sustainable agriculture, with added readings and projects also tailored to individual student experience, interests, and goals. We will meet and work outside a lot, but also Zoom some. Keywords: sustainable, agriculture, ecology, agroecology, organic

Environments and Change This course includes both in-person and remote elements, but can accommodate fully remote students. Students should generally expect to spend 6-8 hours of work a week outside of class.