Societal Issues: Pesticides, Alternatives and the Environment Instructors: Michelle Anderson (Autumn); Troy Markham (Winter) and Monica Lewandowski (Spring). Winter 2010 Mon Wed 12:00 - 2:18 pm, Kottman 102 Troy Markham, Instructor (markham.4@osu.edu)

Are we on the brink of a revolution . . . or on the brink of disaster?

How do we weigh the costs and benefits - economic, political, social, environmental and ethical - when we're charting unexplored areas?

We'll cover contemporary issues facing agriculture and the world today, including bio-based fuels and products, pesticides and toxins, biotechnology, pests and diseases, invasive species, and how these things might impact the environment.

• We'll learn relevant concepts to help you evaluate these issues . . .
• Consider different opinions and ideas . . .
• And help you synthesize information, formulate your own thinking, and develop new ideas.

The class includes lectures, videos, and in-class group discussions, with an emphasis on current topics.  And there are opportunities to tie your own areas of interest to class topics.

Contacts:

Troy Markham - Winter (markham.4@osu.edu)

Michelle Anderson - Autumn (anderson.1771@osu.edu)

Monica Lewandowski - Spring (lewandowski.52@osu.edu)

Offices:246 Kottman Hall, Columbus

Tel. (614) 247-6876