Ecological Foundations of Agroecology

OverviewObjectives | Instructors

Ecological Foundations of Agroecology

ALE 6120 | CRN 15927

 

Ecology explores the complex relationships that living beings have with each other and with their surroundings. Agroecology centers these relationships in the design and maintenance of just and resilient farming and food systems.

 

Program Snapshot

Next Start Date
How Often
Learning Format
Online Learning Type
January 12, 2026Every SpringOnlineSynchronous
Required Group Meetings
Duration
Time Commitment
Credential
TBD15 Weeks6-8 hours/weekUVM Credit or Digital Badge

Banner Image

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Overview

Course Overview

UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES FOR SUSTAINABLE FARMS AND TERRITORIES

This course presents an introduction to the ecological foundations of agroecology. We draw from the agroecological foundation of diálogo de saberes (dialogue of knowledges) to engage with the knowledge of nature, Indigenous and practical agroecological knowledge and western science.  The course is organized to cover ecological processes across three broad social-ecological scales (agroecosystem, landscape, global). Staying true with agroecology’s transdisciplinary approach, we also discuss social and political issues that interact with ecological dynamics at each of these different scales. 

COURSE DAYS & TIMES: Spring 2026 Semester: January 12 – May 8. Required online meetings every week (time and day TBD).

Objectives

Learning Objectives

Body
  1. How the field of agroecology has drawn from the knowledge of nature, Indigenous and practical knowledge and western science to create its ecological foundation
  2. Key ecological processes that occur at the scales of the farm/agroecosystem; the landscape/territory; and globally
  3. Important socio-political dynamics that interact with ecological processes across scales
  4. How to engage with instructors and fellow students in co-learning

Instructors

V. Ernesto Méndez

Professor of Agroecology and Environmental Studies

Ernesto.Mendez@uvm.edu

Gabriela Bucini

Research Associate, Institute for Agroecology

Gabriela.Bucini@uvm.edu