The course integrates scientific, socio-economic, and historical dimensions of agriculture, particularly as they occur in southeastern Michigan. Introduces principles of ecology as they apply to agriculture, surveys diverse components of the food system, emphasizes sustainable alternatives to modern industrial agricultural practices. Taught through lectures, field work , and field trips to local farms and farm-related organizations.
Students conduct several field-research projects, write project reports, and two longer papers.
A detailed listing of class activities is available.