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.