ENV 310: SCI & FOLKWAYS APPALACHIAN PLANTS

This course will explore a list of local plants from an anthropological and scientific perspective. An understanding of how evolution creates new species of plants as well as their various chemical and physical adaptations will be developed. A brief introduction will be given into the systematics of plants in general and especially our focal species as well as their conservation. The basics of plant identification will be covered including use of current technology for this purpose. The course includes a strong hands-on component with instruction on cultivation of plants and preparation of food, medicine, and other products from them. Students will be involved with gardens designed to educate the community about plants that were important to the Cherokee and Muscogee people, as well as to early colonial settlers of the region.