ETHNOBOTANY

Ethnobotany studies the relationship between plants and human societies. The course will give the overview of methodologies and approaches in ethnobotany, historical and current trends, challenges and applications. Students will also have the possibility to receive interview training and field experience through independent or group work.

1. Knowledge and understanding
a) Knows the terminology and methods used in ethnobotany.
b) Understands the importance of interdisciplinary approach.
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
a) Have learned how to properly use the terminology in all the processes of application and communication of the acquired knowledge.
b) Can see the applications of learned strategies in everyday life and to suggest the best possible strategies for different stakeholders.
3. Judgment skills
a) Will learn to choose a subject for independent work.
b) Will learn to formulate scientific hypotheses.
4. Communication skills
a) Know how to communicate the specificities of ethnobotany using appropriate terminology.
b) Know how to interact with peers and with the tutor, in a critical and respectful way.
5. Learning skills
a) Have improved presentation and reviewer skills.
c) Have improved skills for critical reading of scientific publications.

Interest toward an interdisciplinary approach and at least basic knowledge in both life sciences and anthropology is recommended as background for the course.

The 30 h course will be divided into four subsections:
1) A general overview of the subject. Faces of ethnobotany, history of the discipline and current challenges.
2) Interdisciplinary of ethnobotany. Methods used in ethnobotany and the disciplines involved. Botany, anthropology, linguistics, ecology, pharmacology, sociology, semiotics, history of science as a methodological source for ethnobotany. Interpretation possibilities and risks.
3) Practical implications of ethnobotanical research. Interview and data analysis technics.
4) Applicability of ethnobotanical research in everyday life, environmental education and policymaking.
The proportional division of the time depends on the interest of specific students who will be present to the course.

The grading:

Active participation during the lectures – 50 %
Independent study and dispute – 50%

The frontal meetings will be designed in the way that four hours will be split between lecture and discussion approximately in proportion 2/3 and 1/3 respectively. The discussion section will be grounded on the required text for every lecture. There will be ten meetings lasting three academic hours.
The independent study will be decided in collaboration with every individual student and will stay within the scope of ethnobotany.

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