IARD 4850 - Case Studies in International Ecoagriculture and Environmental Conservation

(crosslisted) ESS 4850 NTRES 4850  
(CU-CEL, CU-ITL, CU-SBY)     
Spring. 3 credits. Letter grades only.

Enrollment limited to: junior, senior or graduate standing; others by permission of instructor.

J. P. Lassoie.

This course has been designed for students interested in applying their accumulated knowledge and experiences to interdisciplinary, real-world problems facing food and fiber production, environmental conservation, and sustainable development worldwide. Early in the course we will examine through readings, websites, and facilitated discussions the complexity of 'wicked' problems and how best to address their possible solutions, develop team-working skills, and briefly review contemporary case studies from Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the U.S. Guest discussion leaders will be involved as appropriate. The majority of semester will be dedicated to a team exercise that will systematically develop a detailed plan for designing, managing, and monitoring a field-based integrated conservation and development project for a student-selected case study scenario. This approach will provide a set of tools that can be readily adapted for developing conservation and sustainable development projects in many different international and domestic settings. Active in-class participation and out-of-class work is expected and a final written team report and class presentation are required.

Outcome 1: Create and maintain a learning contract outlining personal learning objectives as they relate to their academic goals, personal development, and career aspirations.

Outcome 2: Understand the global nature of the complex challenges facing conservation, food production, and sustainable development.

Outcome 3: Identify and implement strategies and tools for effective teamwork.

Outcome 4: Apply the skills they have accumulated from courses and professional experiences to complex real-world development problems.

Outcome 5: Systematically develop a comprehensive project plan to address community-based needs related to sustainable food production and environmental conservation.



Print this page.Print this Page