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Earth and Space Science182Updated Sep 9, 202623 pages

The Role of Plants in Shaping Human Civilization

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Plants and Civilizations (AGRI/IE 116) explores the complex relationships between plants and human societies throughout history. This course examines how plants have shaped civilizations through agriculture, economics, medicine, and culture, while building critical thinking and communication skills that extend beyond plant science.
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Course Overview and Goals

Plants and Civilizations examines how plants and humans have influenced each other across time and cultures. This course isn't just about memorizing plant facts—it's about developing critical thinking skills that will benefit you in college and beyond.

The course explores three main themes: the origins of agriculture, plants in human history, and plants as drugs. You'll investigate questions like why agriculture emerged in multiple places around the same time and how plants like tea and chocolate have shaped economies and cultures.

Beyond content knowledge, you'll develop valuable skills including how to find reliable information, analyze complex issues, and construct convincing arguments. These transferable skills will help you in other courses and your future career.

Pro Tip: This course includes many smaller assignments rather than a few big ones. Working consistently each week will help you succeed!

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Course Structure and Expectations

Lectures meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00-3:50 PM in Nutrien 140. Weekly recitation sections are held in E005 Plant Science, where you'll discuss readings and work on activities that deepen your understanding of lecture content.

The course uses a variety of assessment methods including weekly quizzes, short essays, a term project, group debates, and participation in recitation activities. These different formats help you develop and demonstrate multiple skills.

Attendance is essential! Lectures introduce key concepts, while recitation sections provide opportunities for discussion and feedback. If you must miss a recitation, contact your Teaching Assistant (TA) beforehand to arrange a make-up assignment.

Remember: Your TA's recitation page will have each week's readings and discussion assignments. Check it regularly to stay on track!

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Main Course Themes

The Origins of Agriculture and Evolution of Crop Plants section explores why agriculture emerged in 5-11 places worldwide at roughly the same time. We'll examine the consequences of shifting from hunter-gatherer to agricultural societies and how domestication changed both plants and human communities.

Plants and History investigates how plants like potatoes, bananas, chocolate, and tea have influenced economics, culture, and politics. Each plant tells a fascinating story about human history—from the potato's role in European economy to the cultural significance of tea and the religious rituals surrounding it.

Plants as Drugs examines how humans have used plants for medicine, recreation, and religious purposes. We'll explore ethnobotany (how cultures use plants), the discovery of therapeutic compounds, and the complex history of plants like opium, coca, and cannabis.

Did you know? The course includes a library research component to help you find reliable sources for your term project and develop research skills you'll use throughout college.

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Teaching Team and Resources

Dr. Andrew Norton leads the course with extensive background in plant ecology and invasive species management. His office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00-12:00 in C212 Plant Science or via Zoom.

Teaching Assistants hold weekly recitation sections and have their own office hours. They're your first point of contact for questions about assignments and readings, so don't hesitate to reach out!

The course uses Canvas to organize content into weekly modules containing lecture slides, videos, and recitation instructions. The Plants and Civilizations LibGuide provides additional research resources for assignments and the term project.

Success Strategy: Visit office hours! Meeting with instructors is one of the most underused but valuable resources for college success. They're there to help you understand course material and improve your work.

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