Environmental Science & Policy 228 - Colloquium: Introduction to Agroecology

This course introduces students to research and application in the field of agroecology, with a focus on community-based approaches. The course covers both conceptual and practical content, including the evolution of the field of agroecology as it gained prominence in scientific, policy, planning, social movement, and farming practices. A special emphasis is placed in discussing the different expression of agroecology as a science, a social movement, and a practice across urban and rural regions. Integrating interdisciplinary approaches to addressing the challenges of our agrifood systems, the class covers community-engaged methods as an essential approach to agroecological research and practice. It also covers local, national, and international perspectives, through online conversations with agroecology practitioners faraway and through field visits to practitioners in the Connecticut River valley. Enrollment limited to 18.