ENV 1920 - SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

credits: 3.0
Will examine current conventional and organic agricultural practices and the impact of current methods on environmental systems. Beginning with undisturbed land, the course will highlight all steps in the food production process including land clearing, water and pesticide usage, genetic modification, post-harvest processing, and waste disposal. Impacts of agriculture on ecosystems, water scarcity and pollution, and climate change will be reviewed. Objectives: A) Compare and contrast conventional and organic agriculture; B) Discuss the impacts of agriculture on environmental systems; C) Explain where food in the grocery store comes from; D) Propose new agricultural practices that increase sustainability or decrease environmental impact; E) Identify the benefits and limitations of genetic modification. Method of Instruction: Lectures, discussions, and in-class activities. Method of Evaluation: 20% Quizzes, 20% Discussions, 20% Case Studies and Activities, 20% Final Presentation, and 20% Participation. *Participation on-campus: attendance, contributing to large-group discussions. *Participation online: attending synchronous classes, comprehension quizzes, contributing to small and large-group discussions.