Instructor

Dr. Bill Newcomb
E-mail: newcombw@queensu.ca
Phone: 613 533-6131

Message from the Instructor

Botany and cultural anthropology are combined in the scientific discipline known as ethnobotany, which examines, primarily, the relationship between indigenous unlettered peoples and their specific local flora. In BIOL 319/3.0, you will explore the historical roles of plants in medicine, mysticism, material culture and the advancement of civilization, and develop knowledge of significant botanical specimens and the cultures that they have most strongly influenced. Current global issues such as climate change, deforestation, the search for powerful new medicines and the loss of biological and cultural diversity will be examined using modern ethnobotanical principles, so that you are better able to understand and evaluate the consequences of change in the intertwined botanical and social worlds. Ethnobotany is an interdisciplinary, dynamic and contemporary science. While the individual "sound bites" of information are not especially difficult to learn, understanding the linkages and global consequences of local change are much more challenging; you are encouraged to bring your collective educational and life experience wisdom to the issues studied here.

It is particularly important to approach the information in this course with an open mind! We will talk about events and cultural rituals, taboos, and practices that are far removed to the common experience of most Queen's students. I encourage everyone to examine the information openly, to ask questions and reflect on how the experience of others around the world has shaped their particular culture, and perhaps your own. I will be encouraging all students to approach the teachings of other cultures with the utmost respect. I sincerely hope that you will be intrigued enough to expand your study beyond the materials offered here, whether that is a simple web search, a bit of additional reading or renting a topical movie - this course is intended to be thought provoking!

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More information:

• Computer Requirements and Internet Access
• Moodle, Our Online Learning Environment 
• Academic Integrity
• Evaluation
• Suggested Time Commitment
• Required Material