Catalog Course Search Details

 Department:    ENVAG

 Course #:    101

 Credits:    5

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    5.5

 CIP:    010308

 EPC:    127

 REV:    2018

 Course Description  

Survey of agroecology, a multi-disciplinary field that applies ecological principles to the analysis and management of agriculture systems. Explore ways to create abundance and reduce external inputs by enhancing nutrient cycling, energy flow, and beneficial interactions. Field trips are an integral part of this course.

 Prerequisite  

None

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 44

Lab: 22

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0

Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Vocational Preparatory Required for certificate  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Describe the ecological principles that support agroecosystems, and compare the ecology and economy of agroecosystem landscapes at different scales.
2. Describe the biological, physical, and chemical factors that affect plant growth and reproduction and how these factors are managed for agricultural production, with an emphasis on the Pacific Northwest.
3. Examine conventional and alternative agricultural paradigms and practices from an agroecological perspective, and incorporate analyses of system productivity, resiliency, diversity, and equitability.
4. Assess the challenges and opportunities encountered when developing and managing sustainable urban and small farm agriculture systems.
5. Discuss the ways in which socioeconomic, cultural, and political dynamics influence local and global food systems.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

0. Application and Integration

Definition: Applying information from one or more disciplines and/or field experiences in new contexts (Outcome 0.1); developing integrated approaches or responses to personal, academic, professional, and social issues (Outcomes 0.2-0.5).

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
0.1 Apply theories and concepts studied in the classroom to field, clinical, shop, research, or laboratory settings.

4. Community & Cultural Diversity

Definition: Recognizing the value of human communities and cultures from multiple perspectives through a critical understanding of their similarities and differences.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
4.5 Adapt to and function effectively in communities and cultures different from one's own.

5. Global & Local Awareness & Responsibility

Definition: Understanding the complexity and interdependence of, and stewardship responsibilities to, local and global communities and environments.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
5.4 Understand the concept of local/global stewardship, and its ethical components, to communities and environments.
5.5 Demonstrate ethical practices as part of stewardship to local/global communities and environments.

6. Individual Awareness & Responsibility

Definition: Understanding, managing, and taking responsibility for one’s learning and behavior in varied and changing environments.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
6.1 Identify ethical and healthy choices and apply these personally, socially, academically, and professionally.

Course Contents

1. Ecological principles that support agroecosystems, and compare the ecology and economy of agroecosystem landscapes at different scales.
2. Biological, physical, and chemical factors that affect plant growth and reproduction and how these factors are managed for agricultural production, with an emphasis on the Pacific Northwest.
3. Conventional and alternative agricultural paradigms and practices from an agroecological perspective, and incorporate analyses of system productivity, resiliency, diversity, and equitability.
4. How socioeconomic, cultural, and political dynamics influence local and global food systems.
5. Challenges and opportunities encountered when developing and managing sustainable urban and small farm agriculture systems.