Plants & People

Catalog description

Plants make up around a fifth of all species on earth. The importance of plants cannot be exaggerated, as they are the basis for nearly all food webs on our planet and vitally provide oxygen to all animal species. This course will examine the complex relationships that people have had with plants over time, from vital medicines and crops to poisons and damaging invasive species. Students will analyze their personal relationships with plants as well as gain a better understanding of evidence-based research and broader cultural and historical relationships. This course will also be hands-on, as we will practice some traditional uses of plants, such as fabric dyeing and some edible uses.