Ethobotany Field Course on Ometepe Island, Nicaragua
Ometepe Summer 2012 Ethnobotany Field Course, June 22-July 17
Course Instructor:
Laura Shiels, MS Botany, Herbalist
herbalmagik@hotmail.com
Description
This course will focus on ethnoecology, how people interact with ecosystems, and medical ethnobotany, how people interact with medicinal plants. Students will learn from a combination of classroom-style lectures and hands-on activities. Students will have the opportunity to conduct original ethnobotanical research. This course is appropriate for students at any level of study. Enrollment at an institution not required. University credit can be arranged.
Major Topics:
· Overview of the science of ethnobotany
· Exploration of interesting perspectives from which to explore the relationship between people and plants
· Ethnobotanical research ethics, methods/techniques, and project design
· Major tenets and comparison of different types of healing systems in the world which incorporate plants
· Botanical history of medicine
· How plant medicines work in the body
· Herbal medicine making and medicinal specimen collecting workshops
· The food-medicine-poison continuum and food/herb-drug interactions
· Psychoactive plants
· Natural history, volcanism, botany, and ecology of Ometepe, a world heritage site
· Comparison of natural history and ecology of the “old” and “new” world tropics
· Land management, the environment, and health
· The cultural history of Ometepe
· Conduct original ethnobotanical research in a unique cultural and ecological environment
Pre-requisites/Preparation
This course requires motivation, a positive attitude, and an inquisitive, open mind. There are no pre-requisites for this course and it is suitable for students of any educational background and level. Hands-on activities and research opportunities will be tailored to the preparation and goals of individual students. We will engage in several outdoor excursions and hikes in the beautiful environment of Ometepe as part of the class.
Course Objectives
Gain a deeper knowledge and appreciation for the relationship between people and plants, and diverse cultures and ecosystems
Learn how plants have contributed to society as we know it and how our relationship with plants shapes the future to come
Develop a conceptual framework for finding solutions to social and environmental challenges
Learn how and why people have utilized plants as medicine, for material culture, for spiritual enlightenment
Learn how people shape environments and the associated consequences for health and the environment
Learn to conduct ethnobotanical research/improve research skills
Contribute beneficially to the community and environment of Ometepe
Develop meaningful friendships with people with similar interests
Optional: Publish original research results
Course Cost: $2095
For more information about the Maderas Rainforest Conservancy field station where we stay during the course, please click here.