Summer Syllabus 2023

GSCI 2050: Urban Ecology and Eco-Justice

(Community Roots)

Meets: Mon. - Thurs., 9:00-1:00 pm

July 10 - August 17, 2023

Cecilia W Poon, Instructor, cpoon2@schools.nyc.gov

Pieranna Pieroni, Program Director, Field-Instructor, pieronip@broolyn.cuny.edu
1106 James Hall (Classroom) 0301 James Hall (College Now office)
Tel.: 718.951.5209

Program mentors:
Aine Pearson (aineplays1@gmail.com)
Autumn Jones (autumnaljones@gmail.com)
Tamari Kvaratskhelia (tamrikok1739@gmail.com)
Tracy Ha (tracymichelleha@gmail.com)

Overview:
Community Roots is an urban ecology and eco-justice course that explores the relationships
between living things and their environment (land, water, place) as well as social systems. We
will do this by investigating social inequalities and organized resistance while making
connections to ecological systems on a local and global scale. Each week, the class will
explore themes from a critical, political, resilient, and hopeful stance. What are peoples’
relationships to land, water, and place? Are these relations communal, of private ownership,
stewardship, or something else? What is the world we wish to see? What are the struggles and
tensions in these relations? What do people do to enact social change? How do we organize?

Weekly themes will focus on selected environmental topics, such as global food systems, soil and
water bioremediation, systems of production, consumption, waste management, resource
conservation, climate change, and environmental and social justice movements. These themes
will be shaped by student interest and through student engagement. Students will explore the
implications of these topics through daily care and investigation of local green spaces (including
planting, watering, pruning, and harvesting; soil testing and enhancement; composting and
other sustainable gardening techniques) as well as the use of visual and social media, discussion,
writing and research techniques including ethnography. We’ll be outside RAIN or SHINE.

Students will be tasked to recollect, analyze and connect narratives of their lived experiences to
weekly themes. Final presentations should demonstrate a broadened analysis and
understanding of those narratives as we investigate relationships between living things and the
environment. The final presentation must include some element of social action or a call to
action related to eco-justice.

Course Objectives and Learning Goals:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Understand and discuss how people are essential catalysts of urban ecosystems.
2. Understand and discuss how urban ecosystems function, the response of plants and animals.
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to urban environments and the ecology of community interactions in urban systems.

3. Understand and discuss how community organizing and efforts affect local, regional, and
global systems.
3. Read, interpret, and synthesize literature on urban ecology and eco-justice.
4. Effectively synthesize and communicate scientific, political, and social knowledge through
informative presentations/calls to action.
5. Make informed decisions about social and environmental issues related to urban areas.

What are the Course Requirements?

Evaluation of Grades Grading Scale
Component % of Rational
Scale:
Grade A+
100.5+ = A
94%-100% = A-
90%-93.9% =

Engaging and 25
88%-89.9% = B+
active listening (in
84%-87.9% = B
all program
activities and
spaces)

Reading 25 80%-83.9% = B-
reflections,
assignments and
group
presentations

Research 20 78%-79.9% = C+
Presentation

Under 74% = F (Don't

even think
Research Paper 30
about
this!)

Attendance/Lateness You must attend 80% of classes (only 4 non-consecutive absences

allowed) to earn credit. If you must be absent or late, let Dr. Pieroni or Prof. Poon know as soon
as possible. Because families expect you to be here on class days, we call homes and schools in
case of unexplained or excessive absences or latenesses. Excessive tardiness will also be
reflected in your grade. Three lates will be considered one (1) absence. You can make up a
limited number of hours by signing up to water the garden plots on days when the program
does not meet. Each student’s attendance is reported to the CN school liaison. Special
conditions applicable to Covid-related absences will be discussed at the first class meeting.

Engaging and Active Listening (25%): Participation is essential to building a community of

learners. Plan to be an active learner by engaging in conversation. Learn from your classmates.
Part of engaging with the materials will include doing a presentation on one of the readings. The
presentations will be group work. There will be more information discussed about this activity
during the course introductions.
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Additionally, active participation in gardening activities counts as part of the overall

grade. Be open to change and new experiences. This is how we can all learn!

Journal Reflections and Assignments (25%): Readings will be assigned on a regular basis. Be sure
to write complete journal reflections that address your experiences in activities and reflections
on the readings. Journal reflections will be due the following Monday of each week.

Three assignments will be given during week 2 and week 4, respectively: “Interview an Elder”,
“Recipe Making” and “What’s Your Neighborhood Story”. These three assignments should be
submitted the following week after they are assigned, i.e., if an assignment is given in week 2, it is
due in week 3. See the course schedule for my details about coursework and assignments on
pages 5-9.
Late submissions will be accepted. However, the overall grade will be reduced by a letter grade.
Be sure to contact the course instructor, Prof. Poon, in advance if you are not able to submit
your reflections and assignments by the appointed due date.

Research Poster (20%): Each student will be required to complete two drafts of a research
poster. The purpose of this poster is: (1) to clearly describe the complexity and inter-relatedness
between ecological systems and social issues, (2) to demonstrate learning about a problem and
its context in a specific place, and (3) to identify ways in which we can take collective action
that constructively responds to the problem. This poster should be an original piece in the form of
either a slides presentation or physical research poster and be properly cited using APA
formatting. An outline of your poster will be due on THURSDAY, AUG. 3rd. The poster will be due on
MONDAY, AUGUST 14.

Research Presentation (30%): You are expected to create, organize, and implement a creative
and transformative action plan or a call to action. For example, Action Research Plans could be
something small such as a neighborhood clean-up team or planning a D.I.Y day for your family
to encourage creative projects that also help the environment and discourage waste. Or, it
could be a bigger project such as creating a Green Team for your school or bringing in
participatory budgeting for your community. These plans could be plans that are currently in
progress or plans that will happen in the future. Bear in mind that you should choose a topic that
you are interested in; don't choose a topic/plan because it's easy. For your presentation, you
can make a video, a presentation, or write a song; the possibilities are endless. You will be
evaluated by your peers on how persuasive, clear, and informative your presentations are.
Reach out to the mentors and Prof. Poon for help if needed. An outline of your presentation will
be due on THURSDAY, AUG. 3rd. The Research Poster will be presented during the final week of
AUGUST 14 -17.

Academic Support: For extra support, you can email the course instructor, Prof. Poon, or reach
out to one of the mentors. There are also office hours following class time. As a Brooklyn College
student, you can visit the Writing Center for extra help with writing assignments. Most importantly,
please reach out for help early on in the course if you feel overwhelmed by the course load.
Once again, please email Prof. Poon beforehand to ask for extra time if you see that you cannot
meet the deadline for course assignments.

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CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity: Academic dishonesty of any type, including cheating and
plagiarism, is unacceptable at Brooklyn College. Cheating is any misrepresentation in academic
work. Plagiarism is the representation of another person's work, words or ideas as your own.
Students should consult the Brooklyn College Student Handbook for a fuller, more specific
discussion of related academic integrity standards. Faculty are encouraged to discuss with
students the application of these standards to work in each course. Academic dishonesty is
punishable by failure of the "test, examination, term paper, or other assignments on which
cheating occurred" (Faculty Council, May 18, 1954). In addition, disciplinary proceedings in
cases of academic dishonesty may result in penalties of admonition, warning, censure,
disciplinary probation, restitution, suspension, expulsion, a complaint to civil authorities, and
ejection.

What should you expect in a typical class?

Each week we will be investigating a new theme that is related to urban ecosystems. Sometimes
a class will begin with an icebreaker, challenge, or question of the day. Classes will also include
a mixture of lectures, engaged classwide discussions, individual and small group work, role
plays, games and other hands-on activities. You will also investigate, explore and cultivate local
green spaces (including planting, watering, pruning, and harvesting; soil testing and
remediation; composting and other sustainable gardening techniques) under the guidance and
mentorship of experienced mentors.

The goal of each class will be to build a community of learners so that we each broaden our
understanding of ecological systems and learn from one another while developing ecological
practices toward justice.

Finally, on weekly field trips, you will visit places around the city where individuals and groups are
taking action connected to these topics at the local and/or global level. The schedule for
departure and dismissal will vary on some of the field trips to maximize your time spent on the
excursions. We will have virtual alternatives, if available, in lieu of in-person visits when we
cannot visit. These experiences should inform your weekly journal entries and inquiry paper or
final presentations to connect local environmental issues to global environmental issues and
propose attainable calls to action. Ask questions on these trips!

What do we expect from you in class?

ENERGY! Engaged Participation:
The success of this course and your experience depends on everyone’s active input,
thought and creativity. Activities, readings, discussions and reflections will lend structure,
but everyone will be expected to contribute and ask questions, as we believe that’s
what learning and community are all about. Respectful and collaborative conduct is
expected. Engage deeply. Interrupt kindly.

ON-TIME Attendance:
You are expected to arrive before class begins, be prepared for each class and have
read and completed all assignments. You must attend 80% of classes (only 4
non-consecutive absences allowed) to earn credit. If you must be absent or late, let Dr.
Pieroni or Prof. Poon know as soon as possible. Because families expect you to be here
on class days, we call homes and schools in case of unexplained or excessive absences
or latenesses. Late is considered to be 10 minutes after class begins. Excessive tardiness
will also be reflected in your grade. Three lates will be considered one (1) absence. You
can make up a limited number of hours by signing up to water the garden plots on days

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when the program does not meet. Each student’s attendance is reported to the CN
school liaison.

Self-care:
We spend at least an hour in the garden on Tuesdays and Thursdays RAIN or SHINE, so
you will get wet, dirty, sweaty and buggy--please be prepared! Ideally, wear loose,
comfortable, light-coloured clothing that can easily be washed and will protect you from
the sun and insects. BRING Sunscreen and bug spray, ALSO hats and socks are also
advised, as is a shirt or jacket to put on inside because our building is air-conditioned.
Drink plenty of water, and let us know if you feel tired or unwell.

Assignment requirements:
All work is to be properly cited using APA Style, where appropriate (visit the Purdue Owl
website for guidance, if necessary). All work must be printed and turned in during the beginning
of class. Please plan for any printer or technical issues. PLAN EARLY!! No work will be accepted
via email unless specifically noted.

What does the program offer during the course?

Refreshments: We’ll provide healthy snacks and water, but you may bring snacks. (Gardening)

College Credit: You have been registered as non-matriculants at Brooklyn College and will
receive 3 general science credits on completion of the course, which will appear on your
Brooklyn College transcript. You can forward your transcript to the college where you
matriculate, to be evaluated for transfer credit. School liaisons will also be informed of your
outcomes.

Course schedule*
* Subject to changes

Week 1
Theme: Building Community and Making Connections (Whose place? What meaning?):

Mon., July 10 Welcome to Community Roots!

Introduce Community Roots w/Dr Pieranna (Mentors share experiences

in CR)

Land Acknowledgement
Honor Native Land (pdf)
Introductory Reading: Lenapehoking
Kraft, Herbert C. “The Land and Its People”. The Lenape-Delaware
Indian Heritage:10,00 B.B. – A.D. 2000.

Create Garden Groups

Gardening (Tour of gardens in garden groups)
PP mini-lesson # 1 (more like a prompt) Getting to know your gardens.

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Ice Breaker
“Get to know you” Index Cards: intro of students
Activity: “Take a step forward if you’ve never…”

Get to know the syllabus and expectations; spaces & Readings

assigned
Assignments:
1. Interview an Elder
2. Recipe Blog and Video
3. Interview a Neighbor
4. Group presentations of the readings
5. Present research posters

Administrative tasks: (surveys, photo release, EmpLID, food allergies)

Tues., July 11 Gardening (GARDEN GROUPS)

PP mini-lesson#2 What’s growing in your garden

Introduction to Urban Ecology and Eco-justice: Investigating land,

water, place

Introduction to Restorative Circle

Community building: Gather supplies for Mapping Our Stories:

Indigenous scholar Judy Dow’s Basket Making Activity

Readings:

Sanderson, E., & Brown, M. (2007). Mannahatta: An Ecological First Look

at the Manhattan Landscape Prior to Henry Hudson. Northeastern
Naturalist, 14(4), 545-570. Retrieved from
http://www.jstor.org/stable/25177065

Wed., July 12 NO Gardening

Governors Island
Wednesday, Governors Island Teaching Garden

Leave BC at 8:30 am SHARP, Arrive back around 1:30 pm

Thurs., July 13 Gardening (GARDEN GROUPS)

PP mini-lesson #3: Know your weed (and your bugs)

Activism in Environmental Science: Belonging to Community

● Grace Lee Boggs -- East is East-Or, is it?

● Carolyn Finney -- Chapter 1 - Bamboozled

Carolyn Finney. (2014). Black Faces, White Spaces : Reimagining

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the Relationship of African Americans to the Great Outdoors.

The University of North Carolina Press

● Memona Hossain -- Protecting nature, act of faith: Muslim

women are leading the charge on climate activism podcast,
07/03/2020

History of Community Roots: Dr Pieranna Pieroni

Reading
At a New York City garden, students grow their
community roots and critical consciousness
By Jennifer Adams and Pieranna Pieroni
https://theconversation.com/at-a-new-york-city-garden-students-grow-
their-community-roots-and-critical-consciousness-117459

Community Mapping: Tour of Brooklyn College and its environs

HOMEWORK
Due on Monday, July 17th
● Journal reflection
● Activity: How far did your meal travel?

Week 2
Theme: Global Food Production & Food Systems

Mon., July 17 Gardening (GARDEN GROUPS)

Introduction to Food Systems and Food Sovereignty (Rethinking schools

lesson)

Autumn’s Presentation: Becoming Vegan

Video on Park Slope Food Coop (An example of Food Cooperative)

How do people form collectives to source their food affordably and
sustainably?

Writing Workshop: Introduce /Final Presentation

Tues., July 18 Gardening (GARDEN GROUPS)

Interview with Bev Grant, singer-songwriter and Brooklyn Women’s

Chorus director: Sharing a history of activism the 1960s-1990s through
personal photographs

Student presentation

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Wed., July 19 NO Gardening

Visit Union Square Farmers Market (Leave BC at 9 am)

Guiding Prompts & Questions

Note some foods that are available. Mark costs and where it is produced
Look for the same or similar foods.
What is the cost and where is it produced?

Ask farmers about their practices? How do you grow or make your
product? Who cultivates, picks or makes it? How far does their product
have to travel?
Enter Wholefoods in small groups and reflect on the prompts/questions
above.

Thurs. July 20 Gardening, (GARDEN GROUP)

The Power & Art of Storytelling w/ Wankanyi Hoffman

10.30-11.30 am (virtually)

Student Presentation

HOMEWORK
Due Monday, July 24th
● Journal reflection
Due Thursday, July 27th
● Interview with an Elder
● Food Stories--Recipe Blog
Due on Thursday, Aug. 3th
● Outline of Research Poster

Week 3
Theme: Ecosystems: Land and Water

Mon., July 24 NO Gardening

Field trip: Tour Flatbush African Burial Ground

Tues., July 25 NO Gardening, (GARDEN GROUPS)

Field trip: BBP Conservancy Seining the River Wild

Tuesday, July 25th 2022 @ 10am - 11:25am

Wed., July 26 Gardening, (GARDEN GROUPS)

Writing workshop:
Writing an Outline for a Paper
Finding and Evaluating credible sources

Composting 101

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New York Waters and Wetlands

Reading: Shiva, V. (2016). [ Chapter 1. pdf] Water wars: Privatization,

pollution, and profit. Berkeley, California: North Atlantic Books

Student Presentation

Thurs., July 27 Gardening, (GARDEN GROUPS)

Student Presentation

Writing Workshops: How to prepare a call to action

Making The Outdoors Great For Everyone - ScienceFriday podcast,

07/03/2020
Hip Hop Forestry - RaShad Eas

Outdoor Activity: Read-Aloud

Goldenrod and Asters: My Life With Plants
By Robin Wall Kimmerer
Commons: A Gathering of Stories and Cultures

Frank Schellace: Bees Workshop 10:30 am, Midwood Garden

HOMEWORK
Journal reflection due Monday, July. 31st
“What’s your Neighborhood story?” due Thursday, Aug. 3rd

Week 4 (MEET IN JAMES)

Theme: Industrialization, Speculation, Displacement & Gentrification

Mon., July 31 Gardening, (GARDEN GROUPS)

Guest speaker: Janet Thompson Jackson, Paraplu Wellness

W

Mini-lesson: What is Urban Development?

How Red Lines Built White Wealth: A Lesson on Housing Segregation in

the 20th Century
Teaching Activity. By Ursula Wolfe-Rocca. Rethinking Schools.
The Lower East Side’s (Not Very Well Known) Black History
By Valeria Ricciulli

Video
How do we rename effects put upon us in communities thought to be
left in urban decay?
How do we retell the stories to convey our resilience, hope, family ties,
and community strength?

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Tues., Aug. 1 Gardening, (GARDEN GROUPS)

Industry, Speculation, and Gentrification

Eminent Domain: “High on the Hog”, Netflix, Episode 2

Student Presentation (group 3)

Wed., Aug. 2
Community Mapping: Gowanus Canal and Whole Foods Tour

Thurs., Aug. 3 Gardening, (GARDEN GROUPS)

Student Presentation (group 4)

Self Care
Presentation: Guest Speaker
Thandeka Wolf-Kramer – Self-Care Tips and Strategies

Local Resistance

"Why a new generation of farmers are getting into business"

Danielle Wiener-Bronner

Army of Volunteers Patrol Brooklyn to Prevent Deed Theft

Matt Troutman, Patch Staff

‘We’re Not Going Anywhere’: Brooklyn Protesters Arrested at

Controversial High Rise Development

HOMEWORK
Journal reflection due Monday, Aug. 8th

Week 5
Theme: Consumer Culture and Organizing; Global Production and Waste

Mon., Aug. 7 Gardening, (GARDEN GROUPS)

Presentation on soil composition and waste management, Pablo
Garcia

Mini-lesson
Consumption and Production
Introduce Participatory Budgeting

Tues., Aug. 8 Gardening, (GARDEN GROUPS)

Global Waste and Organizing

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The Story of Stuff - Netflix Documentary

Student Presentation (group 7)

Wed., Aug. 9 Gardening, (GARDEN GROUPS)

DIY (Do It Yourself) Cosmetics and Soaps at BC in the garden

Thurs., Aug. 10 Gardening, (GARDEN GROUPS)

Outdoor Activity: Read-Aloud

This land is our land: An immigrant’s manifesto.
Chapter 8: Climate change
Mehta, S. (2019). This land is our land: an immigrant's manifesto.
Jonathan Cape.

Student Presentation (group 6)

Brooklyn Terminal Market
Take the B6 to Flatlands Avenue East 82nd Street

HOMEWORK
Final Journal reflections due Monday, Aug. 14th

Week 6
Theme: Presenting a Call to Action

Mon., Aug. 14 Gardening, (GARDEN GROUPS)

What are our calls to action?
Final presentations
FINAL RESEARCH POSTER DUE!!

Tues., Aug. 15 Gardening, (GARDEN GROUPS)

Guest Speaker: Annie Yang - Financial Budgeting for College and Life

Wed., Aug. 16 Gardening, (GARDEN GROUPS)

Final Presentations

Thurs., Aug. 17 Final Presentations & Exit Survey

Celebrate!!

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