IE 116 Plants and Civilizations [CRN 79569]

Overview of Course

The relationships between plants and humans are among the most important factors influencing human civilizations, culture, and survival. These relationships have had enormous impacts on human history, sociology, economics, and sustainability. Throughout history, plants have influenced art, religion, wars, social behavior, and customs; and they continuously impact the social, political, religious, and the economic realms of human activity. The need and desire for plants and plant products have been a driving force in exploration, religion, wars, slavery, and innovation. This course will explore and compare the origins of domesticated plants, the ways in which various cultures use plants as food, spices, perfumes, and medicines, and how the dynamics of power and culture shape the use and exploitation of plants and plant products.