NTRES 6330 - Ways of Knowing: Indigenous and Place-Based Ecological Knowledge

(CA-AG, D-AG, KCM-AG, SBA-AG) (EC-SAP)

Fall. 4 credits. Letter grades only.

Enrollment limited to: graduate students or permission of instructor. Co-meets with AIIS 3330/AMST 3330/NTRES 3330.

K-A.S. Kassam.

Based on indigenous and place-based “ways of knowing,” this course (1) presents a theoretical and humanistic framework from which to understand generation of ecological knowledge; (2) examines processes by which to engage indigenous and place-based knowledge of natural resources, the nonhuman environment, and human-environment interactions; and (3) reflects upon the relevance of this knowledge to climatic change, resource extraction, food sovereignty, medicinal plant biodiversity, and issues of sustainability and conservation. The fundamental premise of this course is that human beings are embedded in their ecological systems. Graduate students are required to read supplemental materials, undertake more complex research assignments, and participate in seminar discussion section.