Teaching
Teaching Program
Courses at The University of VermontSL PSS 212: Agroecology (Fall)
This
course presents and in-depth overview of research and applications in
the field of agroecology, with a focus on current research literature.
The learning and teaching objectives of the course are as follows: 1)
students become familiar with current research and applied concepts and
implementation within the field of agroecology; 2) through hands on
field and laboratory exercises, and exposure to local farming systems,
students learn ecological and social research and analytical skills,
which are commonly used in agroecology; 3) students practice working in
groups; 4) students practice their critical thinking and communication
skills by reading and discussing scientific literature, writing a
research paper, and presenting to their peers. In 2009 this course
became a Service Learning Class. Students provide 10 hours of service
to the 5 Vermont farms that have partnered with us to host students for
their on-farm agroecological investigations. Since 2007, our
farmer partners include: Jericho Settlers Farm (Jericho), Digger's Mirth Collective Farm (Intervale), The Farm Between (Cambridge), Open Heart Farm (Intervale) and Pitchfork Farm (Intervale).
Fall 2009 Syllabus
PSS 003: Coffee Ecologies and Livelihoods (Fall)
This
course presents and in-depth overview of research and applications in
the field of agroecology, with a focus on current research literature.
The learning and teaching objectives of the course are as follows: 1)
students become familiar with current research and applied concepts and
implementation within the field of agroecology; 2) through hands on
field and laboratory exercises, and exposure to local farming systems,
students learn ecological and social research and analytical skills,
which are commonly used in agroecology; 3) students practice working in
groups; 4) students practice their critical thinking and communication
skills by reading and discussing scientific literature, writing a
research paper, and presenting to their peers.
Fall 2009 Syllabus
PSS/ENVS 296: Cafe (en) Tacuba: Ecologies and Livelihoods in a Shade Coffee Landscape of El Salvador-2-week, Travel Study Abroad Course offered summer or winter breaks.
The
title of this three credit travel study course alludes to the name of
the famous Mexican music group Cafe Tacuba, and is the name of the town
we visit. This international course exposes students to El
Salvador’s beautiful coffee landscapes and the people that inhabit
them. Students get hands-on experience on ecological and social
research methods, as we explore the biophysical landscape and the
livelihoods of coffee farmers and their families. We learn how
shade coffee is grown, processed, sold, its impacts and contributions
to environmental conservation, and the challenges and opportunities
coffee farmers and cooperatives are facing. You will learn about
Salvadoran history, culture, politics and environmental movements, and
explore some of its beautiful natural areas. Interested students
should be aware that the course requires being in good physical
condition, cultural sensitivity and willingness to work hard and get
dirty.
InfoBrochure2008
PSS 296/ENVS: 295 Environmental Conservation in Agricultural Rural Landscapes
This
course reviews current literature on efforts to incorporate agriculture
into environmental conservation initiatives, both in temperate and
tropical landscapes. We critically discuss ecological, social, economic
and political factors that affect the possibility and effectiveness of
conservation efforts in agricultural settings. In addition, we
review problematic and promising approaches for research and
implementation of conservation initiatives in rural landscapes. The
learning and teaching goals of the course are the following: 1)
participants become acquainted with the latest research and
applications related to environmental conservation in agricultural
landscapes; 2) participants engage in critical discussions of the
literature they review; 3) participants practice working in groups, and
presenting in public in a “conference” type of setting; 4) participants
undertake a critical reflection on the contents of the course that
leads to useful applications to their personal endeavors.
Spring 2007 Syllabus ENVS 02: International Environmental Studies (Spring)
This
course presents an overview of key and current international
environmental concepts. It is designed to provide a breadth of
knowledge, sources, and reflection on key international environmental
issues, from an interdisciplinary perspective. The course seeks to
inform students on the importance of selected topics and the social,
political, and ecological factors that influence them. The learning and
teaching objectives of the course are as follows: 1) Students learn
about key and current international environmental issues, from an
interdisciplinary perspective; 2) Students learn the importance of
understanding the dynamics between local, regional and global actors
and forces on key environmental issues; 3) Students learn about sources
and strategies that will allow them to stay informed of international
environmental topics; 4) To create a comfortable, challenging and
fulfilling learning experience for students, teaching assistants and
lecturers.
Spring 2009 Syllabus
International Agroecology CoursesSince
1999, I have been a core instructor of the Annual International
Shortcourses on Agroecology, organized by the Community Agroecology
Network (CAN), and Professor Steve Gliessman's Research Group at the
University of California Santa Cruz. These courses are designed
to provide students, professionals and farmers with conceptual and
applied agroecological knowledge. They are taught one year at UCSC, and
one year in Latin America (specific locations vary year after year),
and have a specific focus each year. See
http://www.agroecology.org/shortcourse.htm
for information on past, current and future courses. In the
summer of 2009 UVM hosted the international agroecology shortcourse in
Burlingont ! For more information see:
http://www.uvm.edu/~emendez/?Page=Shortcourses.html.Graduate Program in Agroecology and Sustainable Rural Development at the International University of Andalucia, SpainSince
2004, I have been an Adjunct Professor in this program, and annually
co-teach a required graduate level module for M.S. and Ph.D. students.
The program brings together some of the most recognized scholars in
agroecology and rural development from around the world, with
participating students mostly from Latin America, Brazil and Spain.
Last modified October 02 2009 06:46 AM
