INQ-177 | Ethnobotany: Appalachian Mountain & The Yucatan

Topic Description:

This intensive course will examine how culture and botany have walked hand-in-hand to shape the Appalachian and Yucatan peoples. Even with diverse habitats, these lands show similar ethnobotanical trends but with different plants at each location. Students will examine the common plants of each region and explore topics on the habitat’s effect on colonization, diet development, medicine, economy, and beautification. Field trips around Virginia and throughout the Yucatan peninsula will provide opportunities to see the ethnobotany in action. Trips will include Williamsburg VA, several hikes in the Appalachian mountains of VA, 3 cities/towns in the Yucatan, a stay at jungle preserve in the Yucatan, and other day trips as needed. Significant hiking will be required for this course.

Course Types Offered: Travel

Topic Approved: April 2015