Agrarian Systems Analysis
TPSS 670
Faculty:
Noa Lincoln
Semesters taught:
Fall 2016
Goals:
- To be familiar with the range of research methodologies that can be applied to agrarian systems;
- To recognize the multiple value-systems associated with agrarian systems and the complex nature of balancing those values;
- To be able to qualitatively and quantitatively assess agrarian systems across multiple bottom lines;
- To develop writing and oral communication of ideas; and
- To be able to apply the concept of system thinking to complex problems, ask critical questions, and recognize the importance of cultural epistemology in thinking about solutions.
Skills and knowledge to be acquired:
Interdisciplinary understanding of multifunctional agriculture, and assessment and interpretation of farming systems.
Description:
Comparative analysis of philosophy and process of interdisciplinary and participatory approaches to sustainable development and rural resource management including ecosystem services (ES), agroecosystem analysis (AEA), participatory action research (PAR), and rapid rural appraisal (RRA).
Pre-requisites:
Consent
Course organization:
Week 1 Introduction to course, students and instructors. Syllabus overview. Systems thinking, agrarian systems, Hawaii as a model system
Week 2 Experimentation (Experiments, quasi-experiments, natural experiments), quantitative assessments of agrarian systems, environmental impacts and measurements
Week 3 Primary and Secondary Data (Meta Analysis, correlations and statistics, spatial analysis), agricultural data sources
Week 4 Qualitative Methods (Case studies, comparative case studies, ethnography and interviews, surveys), qualitative assessments of agrarian systems, social impact and justice
Week 5 Mixed methods and interdisciplinary research, citizen science, participatory research, and service, multiple value tools
Week 6 Farm-level assessment tools (Rapid Rural Appraisal, Agroecosystem Analysis, Participatory Learning Approach), Farms in Hawai‘i
Week 7 World Food Economy, International agricultural development, Agricultural policy
Week 8 Mid-term examination
Week 9 Student Led Discussions
Week 10 Student Led Discussions
Week 11 Student Led Discussions
Week 12 Student Led Discussions
Week 13 Interviews and Interviewing Skills
Week 14 Assessment Design
Week 15 Assessment Design
Week 16 Assessment Review and Discussion
Week 17 Assessments Due
Grading:
|
Course Section |
Percentage Grade |
|
Participation |
20% |
|
Mid-Term |
20% |
|
Oral Assign. |
20% |
|
Writing Assign. |
20% |
|
Discussion Lead |
20% |
Other:
Repeatable
