Iroquois Cultural Botany ((4 Credits))

Catalog description

This study looks at the historical and cultural botanical practices of the Iroquois peoples who inhabit NY State and the surrounding region and the botanical interactions that occurred before and after European contact. Students will analyze the traditional ecological knowledge (Ethnoecology, TEK) of the Iroquois culture and how Native peoples utilized both indigenous and non-native species of plants for everyday life. Students will also develop hypothesizes of the potential implications for modern culture, medicine and biocultural diversity. Students will also collect and analyze data pertaining to phytochemistry: the chemical composition of plants. Prerequisites: BIOL 2204 Ethnobotany or BIOL 2002 Populations and Diseases or BIOL 1200 Biology I or ENSC 1006 Introduction to Ecology and Sustainability.