Value systems, social structures, technology and scale as they influence individual, family and community interaction with the natural environment will be examined. Amish life-style offers an implicit critique of consumption patterns and agricultural methods characteristic of the 1980's. Questions are raised about the function of cultural diversity as it pertains to human survival and problems both of maintaining cultural cohesiveness and transferring specific behavior patterns across cultural boundaries. Biweekly classes will consist primarily of lecture and discussion with several guest speakers and films. Students will be evaluated on the basis of class participation, performance on several small papers and a final exam or term paper.
Enrollment is limited.