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Frostburg State University

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Introduction to Ethnobotany

Catalog Description

Introduction into the discipline of ethnobotany focusing on the role of plants in
Appalachian and other cultures. Field trips to local parks and visits with people active in
the use of plants will provide opportunities for hands-on experience with techniques and
methods used by field ethnobotanists.

4 credit hours: Three hrs. lecture, one 2-hr. lab. Fall.


Ethnobotany is the study of the interaction between plants and people. This course provides an introduction to the discipline by focusing on principles and methods used in the field of ethnobotany. This course will also introduce the new ethnobotany major and the three concentrations: pharmacological, biogeography, and cultural. Fieldtrips to local parks and visits with people active in the use of medicinal plants will provide opportunities for hands-on experience with techniques and methods used by field ethnobotanists. The outcome should be a general working knowledge of the discipline of ethnobotany and a firm basis for expansion into related fields of study.


Course Objectives
 

  1. Create an active learning environment for students to gain an understanding of concepts and principles relating to ethnobotany (Lectures, presentations, discussion of assigned readings, field trips, and projects will be used to foster this learning).
  2. Engage students in learning about the value of plants in their own culture and how this compares to the intrinsic value of the environment within other cultures.
  3. Provide an opportunity for students to apply their ethnobotanical knowledge to real life class projects.

    This course will also familiarize or give additional practice completing a scientific literature review, writing a scientific paper, and giving a scientific presentation using PowerPoint.


Laboratory Experiences

Activity Location Media
Elk Ridge Nature Works Garrett County, MD Elkridge slideshow
 
Hardings Ginseng Farm Friendsville, MD Ginseng slideshow
Appalachian Festival Frostburg, MD Festival slideshow
Farmers Market Old-Growth Forest, Prather's Neck Wildlife Management Area, Washing Old-growth slideshow
Open Science Network in Ethnobotany Swanton, MD Origins of Agriculture  student evaluation
Evergreen Heritage Center Mt. Savage, MD Evergreen slideshow
Herbal soap   Soap slideshow
Rain Garden Along tributaries to the Potomac River flowing into the Chesapeake Bay, Cumberland, MD Rain Garden Slideshow
 
Honest Tea and Bethesda Green Sustainability and Business, Bethesda, MD Honest tea slideshow
     
Weekend Experiences    
Springs Folk Festival Springs, PA Springs slideshow
Old Bedford Village Bedford, PA Bedford slideshow
Native Plant Dyes Frostburg, MD Native Plant Dyes (video)


Specific years Syllabi
 

  • 2009 Syllabus


Learning Modules