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Urban Agriculture Innovative Farming Systems for the 21st Century Online Class (offered
during the summer and winter terms) June 5 – July 10, 2012 Course Overview: This new course explores the
subject of Urban Agriculture through the investigation and evaluation of
current urban farming system. Using case studies, students will practice
critical research skills including information gathering, analysis and
assessment, as a means for learning about contemporary urban farming systems
and issues in the field. Students will have an opportunity to explore their
own interests and generate meaningful findings using a custom research method
developed by the primary instructor, Helena Farrell. The course will
culminate in a final report in which students have the option to assess the
major strengths, weaknesses and implications of their case studies or present
planning and design recommendations for improving the existing farm system or
replicating the model in new locations.
The tentative syllabus is posted here. Learning Objectives: 1.
To implement Agroecology research as a way of learning
about principles and practices in urban farm systems. 2.
To understand why urban agriculture is needed in the context of
current events and contemporary issues. 3.
To learn critical thinking, analysis and communication skills in an
online classroom. Grading: 1. Attendance and
participation 30% - Attendance and participation is imperative to
students’ individual and collective learning. Students are expected to access
and engage with all course content presented through a range of media and to
respond using the tools of the online classroom as instructed. Quizzes and
journal entries will largely account for participation. 2. Case studies:
Observations and Assessments Essays 35% - Case studies will form the
backbone of the course and be the focus of rigorous investigative research.
The students will be responsible for conducting analysis and managing complex
data. This process, aided by a survey and research method developed by the
instructor, will produce the information needed for the final report. 3. Final report 35% -
The final report is an opportunity for students to reflect on their research
findings and generate a self-directed, critical response in the form of a
scholarly research paper, or a farm system planning and design document. The
final project builds upon case study analysis and assessment providing
evidence for the impact of urban agriculture in contemporary issues and
recommendations for improving existing urban farm systems or implementing new
projects in new locations. Articles All reading assignments will be made available through the class blackboard system. Books
For
information contact Helena Farrell at hfarrell@larp.umass.edu For information on cost and to
register: click
here! This class is part of the Sustainable
Food and Farming Series A UMass Certificate may be earned by the successful
completion of 15 credits of approved courses in this series. For
information, contact Dr. John M. Gerber at; jgerber@psis.umass.edu |
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@2012 John M. Gerber |
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