Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Course Description
This course takes a look at the contemporary movement embracing sustainable farming
and eating. The readings are all geared towards these ideas, yet you’ll find that the
authors do not all agree on what certain key terms mean—for instance, sustainable and
organic—or prescriptive solutions—for example, whether or not one should eat meat.
Our goal then will be to not only learn about the movement, but begin to define these
ideas and terms, and find solutions for ourselves.
Required Texts
Kimbrell, Andrew. The Fatal Harvest Reader. [Paperback version]
McKibben, Bill. Deep Economy.
Pollan, Michael. The Omnivore’s Dilemma.
Schlosser, Eric. Fast Food Nation.
Assignments
Each week you will be required to write a short (500-750) response to our readings. The
questions for these responses can be found on eLearning under the discussion tab.
EVERYONE MUST POST THEIR RESPONSES TO THE DISCUSSION BOARD BEFORE EACH
CLASS PERIOD. LATE RESPONSES WILL LOSE A FULL GRADE. A On the first day of class we
will settle on a reading schedule: specific students will be required to read their
responses each class as a way to prompt discussion.
Service Learning
Each student will be required to complete 10 hours of service learning over the course
of the semester. Students will work in the school garden at University Place Middle
School, where they will help tend the garden and learn about organic growing methods.
The class will be split into two groups, and, depending on a schedule we can agree on,
each group will spend one hour each week OUTSIDE OF NORMAL CLASS TIME working in
the garden. We will decide on this schedule on the first day of class. Failure to complete
the service learning requirement will greatly affect one’s grade.
Garden Days
Students will be expected to show up on time, wearing appropriate clothing (I highly
recommend pants, close-toed shoes, a hat and a pair of gloves. Sunblock is also
recommended. Open-toed shoes are a bad idea!). I will bring a cooler with water, but I
also recommend a water bottle. There are no restrooms at the garden site, so come
empty.
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Garden Location (1.3 miles from campus)
[If you ride a bike, be careful crossing 15th street! This is a terrible intersection! People
drive terribly! There is no crosswalk! Write your congressman a letter about this
intersection! (Sorry about the rant, but seriously, be careful)]
The garden is located on the large field behind University Place Middle School. The
address for the school is: 2000 1st Avenue
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401-5007
Directions from Nott Hall: Head south on Hackberry Ln toward University. Turn left at
18th St. Turn right at 4th ave.
Field Trips
Take note: There are three field trip days. The Snow’s Bend trip is the only one that will
require a car. We’ll discuss location, rides, etc, but these will take place during class
time, and you’re expected to be there.
Grades
Weekly response paper (lowest grade dropped): 10 points each (total points: 100).
60% of final grade.
Garden work: each garden day is worth 10 points, with 10 total garden days (total
points: 100). 20% of final grade. Students who miss more than 3 garden days will
receive no credit for the class.
Attendance: 14 classes, each worth 10 points. 20% of final grade. Students who miss
more than 3 classes will receive no credit for the class.
Disability Statement
If you are registered with the Office of Disability Services, please make an appointment with me
as soon as possible to discuss any course accommodations that may be necessary. If you have a
disability, but have not contacted the Office of Disability Services, please call 348-4285 or visit
133-B Martha Parham Hall East to register for services. Students who may need course
adaptations because of a disability are welcome to make an appointment to see me during
office hours. Students with disabilities must be registered with the Office of Disability Services,
133-B Martha Parham Hall East, before receiving academic adjustments.
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The Academic Misconduct Disciplinary Policy will be followed in the event of academic
misconduct.
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2. I will not tolerate plagiarism. We will cover plagiarism in class but be warned: if I suspect
plagiarism, I will turn your paper into the dean, and the matter will no longer be up for
discussion (with me).
3. There is to be zero tobacco use in class. DO NOT CHEW TOBACCO IN CLASS!
4. Turn your phone off at the beginning of class. If I see you texting, etc, I’ll ask you to leave.
Tentative Schedule
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Readers: Written Response 5
M 11.29 Discuss end of Deep Economy Eat something tasty that you can feel good
Readers about!