Natural Science 0250 - Agriculture, Ecology, and Society

Agriculture, Ecology, and Soci

Fall
2023
1
4.00
Brian Schultz

01:00PM-02:20PM TU;01:00PM-02:20PM TH;02:30PM-03:50PM TH

Hampshire College
336654
Cole Science Center 110;Cole Science Center 110;Cole Science Center 110
bsNS@hampshire.edu
336653,336654,336655
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 are expected to spend a minimum of 6-8 hours of work outside of class time per week Library Materials:NOT library, but I have used VANS.

Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.