PWS 101

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Cultural History of Medicinal Plants

Plant and Wildlife Sciences College of Life Sciences

Course Description

A global perspective of how medicinal plants have shaped cultural history and how they are used to treat illness and disease. Issues relating to conservation, natural history, biodiversity, and cultural diversity.

When Taught

Fall.

Min

3

Fixed

3

Fixed

3

Fixed

0

Note

Additional seats for specific sections may be available to Freshman Mentoring participants through envelopes.

Title

Cultural Awareness

Learning Outcome

 Students will experience thoughtful reflection on the above, as demonstrated by the cultural reflection essays and the class project (paper and presentation).

Title

Cultural Awareness

Learning Outcome

 Students will develop greater empathy and charity, and will begin to gain a global perspective by learning to see themselves from another's point of view.  

Title

Cultural History and Medicinal Plant Use

Learning Outcome

Students will be able to explain and interpret a global history of how indigenous people can use plants to treat illnesses and disease. Students will understand how the medicinal use of plants has helped shaped the history of cultures across the globe. Students will be able to explain the difference between the Western philosophy of traditional medicine and local indigenous practices for treating illnesses and disease. Students will be able to critically think about and analyze the differences and similarities of how cultures of the world treat illnesses and disease. Students will be able to explain the limitations and myths associated with the herbal industry from an international perspective. Students will be able to read and interpret peer reviewed literature on studies designed to show how human health has improved across the various cultures of the world by using herbal remedies. Students will be able to explain why it is important to preserve and protect sensitive habitat such as the tropical rainforests, which contain a wealth of biological information related to future drugs as yet undiscovered.  

Title

Cultural Awareness

Learning Outcome

Students will acquire informed awareness of a global culture outside their own, with the interplay of cultures, languages, and/or nations at an international level.