Natural Science 0350 - Agriculture, Ecology & Society

This course examines agriculture as a set of ecological systems and related social aspects, focusing on organic and/or sustainable production methods, and agroecology. It refers to ecology in the sense of interactions between organisms (e.g., pests and predators; wildlife) and the larger sense of environmental impacts (e.g., pollution; climate change), along with key related social issues and solutions (e.g., power relationships; government subsidies). A broad range of topics will be covered, including: pest control alternatives (e.g., pesticides; biocontrols); soil ecology, fertility erosion, and carbon sequestration; animals in agriculture; genetically modified crops; biofuels; farm labor; global vs. local trade; economic influences; power bottlenecks; and more. Course work will consist of readings, discussion, writings, lab and farm work/observations, and projects, tailored to individual student experience, interests, and goals. Field work will include our College farm and forest, and trips to other local farms and habitats. Keywords: sustainable, agriculture, ecology, agroecology, organic

Environments and Change Students should generally expect to spend 8 hours a week on work outside of class time.