Introduction to Urban Agriculture
September 9 & 11
Class Content
Welcome to Urban Agriculture! We will begin by exploring how growing food in cities connects to questions about land use, urban ecology, food systems, and social and environmental justice. We will consider some of the problems associated with industrial agriculture and introduce agroecology, food sovereignty, and urban agriculture as possible alternatives. We will also get to know one another and discuss how urban agriculture connects to your interests in geography and urban planning.
Supplemental Readings and Resources
These optional readings and resources are included for anyone interested in exploring the topics from class in more depth. They are not required.
Presentations
Schedule
Welcome & Icebreaker
– Introductions and icebreaker activity
Introduction to Urban Agriculture
– Food systems and industrial agriculture
– Agroecology and food sovereignty
– Urban agriculture, land use, and urban ecology
– Sustainable and just food systems
– CultivAction Solidarity Cooperative
Get-to-Know-You Activity
In small groups, introduce yourselves and discuss:
- What is something interesting about you?
- Why did you take this course, and what do you hope to get out of it?
- What experience or knowledge do you already have with urban agriculture, growing food, food systems, or sustainability?
- What aspects of urban agriculture interest you most?
- How might urban agriculture connect to your interests in geography or urban planning?
- How might you use what you learn in this course?
Questions, Concerns & Comments
– Course organization and expectations
– Questions, concerns, and comments