Topics to be covered include plants used for food, medicine, clothing, shelter and poisons, past and present uses of indigenous and introduced plants by Native Americans, current uses of plants growing in California and sustainable plant communities. Course activities include field trips, field identification, and preparation and consumption of certain plants. The Desert as a Place. An interdisciplinary investigation of the desert environment as a place, with some emphasis on Australia and the American Southwest. Correlations between natural and cultural forms, histories, materials, motives, and adaptations will be studied.
Enrollment is limited.
Spring, P. Faulstich. This class is concerned with the state of tribal peoples and ethnic minorities around the world. Particular attention is given to environmental problems and their effects on diverse peoples. We explore case studies of the cultural and environmental consequences of rainforest destruction, tourism, energy development, national parks, and war. We critique programs to assist oppressed peoples and the environments which sustain them.