Spring 2008

Instructor: David Cleveland

Prerequisite: Environmental Studies 149, Geography 161, Anthropology 149 or 204

Weekly schedule

This course covers the biological, ecological, social, and economic theory of small-scale food production, and how it is applied in low-input management strategies. The goal is to encourage food production that is based on both scientific and local knowledge, conserves resources, and improves nutritional, economic, and social well-being. Requirements include weekly reading assignments, weekly lab exercises and garden journal, quizes, final exam, and cultivation of a group garden plot.

Class meets in a classroom twice a week, and once a week for a three-hour garden lab at the UCSB Greenhouse and Garden Project, an organic two-acre garden on the UCSB campus. Each student will complete weekly lab exercises, cultivate a garden plot, and keep a garden journal. Garden membership is required ($20 fee); tools will be provided. There will also be field trips to visit local farms. The readings include articles from the current scientific literature and selections from Cleveland and Soleri (1991) Food From Dryland Gardens.

Small-scale Food Production class plot

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by David A. Cleveland