Study Sustainable Agriculture in Switzerland and Italy

Deadline to Register is February 1st

Course dates: August 5-August 26*

Option for one of two seminars:
August 28/29 or September 11/12, 2010 (Inspiration Farm)

ESTU 497a: Agroecology Intensive (8 credits)
ESTU 497b: Ecogastronomy Intensive (2 credits)

Immerse yourself in an intensive food production study of biodynamic agriculture and agro-biodiversity conservation in Switzerland. Then travel to Italy for critical studies in food cultures, and gastronomic sciences and society. This hands-on program provides the following unique learning opportunities.

* View holistic farm systems and traditional strategies to protect wild biodiversity in agroecosystems on Lopez Island, WA to start your journey
* Study the philosophical underpinnings of biodynamics as well as practical farm practice and applied research at the Goetheanum, in Dornach, Switzerland
* Research artisan and conventional food systems in the home of Slow Food, Bra and Pollenzo, Italy
* Immerse yourself in rhetoric of the Slow Food Movement with study of sensory taste science and heritage agriculture
* Identify and utilize frameworks of analysis that apply to integrated ecoagriculture research
* Complete your experience by participating in carbon-offsetting at Inspiration Farm in Whatcom County, which is initiating innovative research and farm practices


*Approximate dates include six days of travel/study time to be determined once final enrollment figures are established March 1, 2010; most of the course readings to be completed before the intensive begins.

Program contact:
Gigi Berardi, Huxley College of the Environment
gigi.berardi@wwu.edu
(360) 650-3284 or (360) 650-2106

Application contact:
eesp@wwu.edu
(360) 650-3308