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Course outline

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August

29 Introduction to the course

31 The ecological crisis of modern agriculture

September

5 Biotechnology: social and environmental implications

7 Video and discussion ( transgenic crops)

12 Agroecology: origins, concepts and scope

14 Ecological processes in agroecosystems

19 Ecological engineering for pest management (G. Gurr)

21 Biodiversity and pest management in agroecosystems (C. Nicholls)

26 Ecological basis of weed and disease management

28 Video and discussion

October

3 Topics in soil ecology and management

5 Traditional agriculture and indigenous knowledge systems

7 Field trip

10 Traditional agriculture and indigenous knowledge systems

12 Urban agriculture (P. Archie, A. Miles)

17 Agroecosystem diversification strategies (polycultures, agroforestry, crop     rotations, cover cropping, etc.)

19 ... continuation

24 Organic farming: characteristics, extent

26 Conversion to organic farming

31 Conversation with Michael Pollan

November

2 Challenges facing the future of agriculture

7 Applying agroecology to small farm development in the Third World

14 Participatory agroecosystem analysis methods

16 Assessing the sustainability of agricultural systems

21 Conversation with Fritjof Capra

23 Holiday

28 Student group presentations

30    "          "            "

December

5    "          "            "

7 Final discussion