Student Originated Studies: Agricultural Systems

Description

This SOS will support students in the study of agricultural systems in conjunction with an on-farm internship or research project. This program is ideal for responsible, enthusiastic, and self-motivated students with an interest in agriculture or food systems. Each student will create an individual course of academic learning including an internship or research project.

Course work for the quarter will include required weekly group meetings, maintenance of a field journal to capture on-farm learning, weekly readings, group discussion papers, and a final paper and presentation. In the required group meetings students will explore timely and relevant issues to small scale, local, and direct market farms and farmers. These agricultural issues may include appropriate scale technology, nutrient cycling, water use and law, food production regulations, finances, and other relevant issues decided upon by the group. The on-farm internships and research projects will provide the foundation for exploring relevant farming topics and give a richer and broader basis for discussion.