PLSCS 1900 - Sustainable Agriculture: Food, Farming, and the Future

(OPHLS-AG)

Fall. 3 credits. Student option grading.

M. Ryan.

Introduction to agronomy and agroecology and an exploration of environmental, economic, and social factors that influence agriculture. Students participate in interactive discussions about food systems and food security. Labs include field trips to a variety of field crop, vegetable, and dairy farms and experiential activities designed to enhance understanding of important themes in sustainable agriculture, including multifunctionality and resilience.

Outcome 1: Understand ‘real world’ sustainable agriculture by interacting with local farmers.

Outcome 2: Explain what sustainable agriculture means and why it is important.

Outcome 3: Describe the dominant types of agriculture operations in the region.

Outcome 4: Compare different methods of crop and livestock production in terms of environmental, economic, and social factors.

Outcome 5: Think holistically about production and food systems.

Outcome 6: Critically evaluate information about agriculture from diverse sources (e.g., newspapers, Google, scientific journal articles).

Outcome 7: Create presentations and short films using videography equipment and software.

Outcome 8: Identify components of a well-supported, articulate argument.