Ethnobotany
CRN
Course Number
Credits
Course Description
For millennia the plant kingdom has provided humankind with food, medicine, fuel, shelter, and inspiration. This course concerns the science of ethnobotany—the study of interactions between people and plants. We will examine the history and geography of plant use and knowledge by human societies worldwide, and the many ways that plants continue to contribute to our contemporary wellbeing. Ethnobotanical perspectives on conservation, agriculture, environmental education, cultural sovereignty, and sustainability will be highlighted. As part of this course will will gain practical skills for identifying and utilizing the Pacific Northwest flora, and put our skills to work on an applied research project and group gardening effort at the Outback campus farm.
Prerequisites
FAIR 206A or equivalent.
Materials Fee
Required Texts
Required Texts: Jim Pojar and Andy MacKinnon, PLANTS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST COAST; William Elpel, BOTANY IN A DAY; Robin Wall Kimmerer, BRAIDING SWEETGRASS. Other readings from journal articles, book chapters, and essays will be made available on Canvas.
Credit/Evaluation
Regular class attendance and informed contribution to discussions is essential. Students will be evaluated on their understanding of the themes and issues presented in the readings, including the foundations of plant identification and the ethical aspects of ethnobotanical research and plant use. Students also will be expected to: 1) Prepare a collection of at least 20 plant specimens, including identification and documentation of uses for each plant collected; 2) Research and write a case study of ethnobotanical knowledge and its practical applications, based on either an in-depth interview or library research; 3) Give a concise class presentation about an ethnobotanically significant plant; 4) Contribute to a collaborative class field project at the Outback campus farm.