TamingNature:Farming thru Time

Catalog description

Since the dawn of our species we lived as hunter-gathers. Only recently humans took control of their destiny by taming plants, animals, and even the climate. This course covers the long-term trajectory of farming since the Pleistocene through the modern era. Case studies will be examined from around the globe. Readings are garnered from archaeology, climatology, history, and anthropology. The primary goals of this course are to think about the long-term impacts humans have made on the earth and how farming in-turn shapes human cultures. Students will critically assess lessons from the past and apply them to modern issues. Offered every spring.