UNIV 104BHistory of Botanical Gardens

Catalog

HISTORY OF BOTANICAL GARDENS - - - The UNIV 101 & UNIV 104 courses offer a blended course format which includes two primary components, one focusing on the academic topic, taught by a faculty member with the second component devoted to new student transition topics, taught by a professional staff partner instructor. This freshmen seminar course will explore an intriguing intellectual topic, help freshmen hone critical thinking and writing skills, and assist students in making a successful transition to university life. - - - This course will focus on the history of botanical gardens and provide a broad overview on how and why the practices of collecting, preserving, studying, and showcasing plants has been so prevalent in human societies since its first civilizations. Topics that will be covered include: 1) the ancient gardens of Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, and the Roman Empire, 2) the rise of the botanical garden during the Age of Discovery and Scientific Revolution and its role in providing scientific education, political prowess, and colonial commodification to individual empires, and 3) the modern day botanical garden as champions of genetic diversification and botanical conservation. NOTE: All UNIV 101 and UNIV 104 courses are restricted to students in their FIRST SEMESTER at the University. Students MAY NOT register for more than one UNIV 101 or UNIV 104 course.