Time Schedule:
Devon G Pena
ANTH 488
Seattle Campus
Cross-cultural survey of agroecological research methods, theoretical problems, policy issues, and ethical debates. Local knowledge and ethnoscientific bases of alternative agriculture. Comparative political ecology of agroecosystems with a focus on indicators of social equity and ecological sustainability.
Class description
This class is integrated with service learning components 'grounded' in the UWFarm through an applied anthropological project focused on strengthening the diversity of crops, agroecological practices, membership, and networking. The focus of this seminar in AU 2010 is on the study of culture, history, philosophy, politics, science, and ethnoecology of seeds, seed-saving, and plant breeding.
Student learning goals
Understand the scientific principles of agroecology.
Develop the ability to use the methods and concepts of agroecology to analyze all kinds of farming systems.
Develop a capacity for interdisciplinary thinking.
Develop critical awareness of agroecology as an alternative paradigm to biotechnology.
Learn basic ethnographic research methods in the field.
Develop a holistic understanding of seeds, seed-saving, and plant breeding as useful but endangered practices for the in-situ preservation of plant genetic resources.
General method of instruction
This is a small group seminar style course and will focus on student presentations on the assigned readings.
Recommended preparation
Knowledge of UWFarm; willingness to spend time forming ties with "Dirty Dozen" and other members of the UWFarm community.
Class assignments and grading
(1) Collaborative project on UWFarm and seed diversity. (2) Annotated bibliography. (3) In-class presentation on course texts (critical reading). (4) Participation in GoPost discussion board.
(1) Collaborative project (50 percent). (2) Annotated bibliography (30 percent). (3) Presentation on course texts (15 percent). (4) Participation in GoPost discussion board (5 percent).
