751-5003-00L Sustainable Agroecosystems II
| Semester | Autumn Semester 2024 |
| Lecturers | K. Benabderrazik, J. Six |
| Periodicity | yearly recurring course |
| Language of instruction | English |
Courses
| Number | Title | Hours | Lecturers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 751-5003-00 V | Sustainable Agroecosystems II This course takes place every second Thursday, starting in the second week of the semester. | 2 hrs |
| K. Benabderrazik, J. Six |
Catalogue data
| Abstract | This class conveys current topics and methods of agroecological and food systems research through selected case studies from ongoing research of the Sustainable Agroecosystems group. Students will be encouraged to develop critical thinking competencies, through individual and group work, on major agricultural and food system challenges and paths towards agricultural and food system transformation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | (1) Systematically analyse and discuss case studies from ongoing agroecological and food system research. (2) Learn and experiment on methods for field and laboratory investigations in agroecology. (3) Engage with positive and empowering frameworks that motivate critical reflection and action on the types of transformative responses needed to adapt and thrive within agricultural and food systems. (4) Reflect critically on agricultural and food system transformation tools and methods from the perspective a food system stakeholder. (5) Identify and describe institutions in the context of sustainable agricultural development (for Bachelor and Master thesis and internships). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | The course will address a wide range of agricultural and food system challenges (e.g. food security, climate crisis, soil degradation, etc.) in both temperate and tropical contexts. In class we will address topics like building food system resilience through innovative measures, improving soil fertility management or understanding the effects of agroforestry systems. Case studies from the on-going research in the Sustainable Agroecosystems Group (sae.ethz.ch) will be presented, covering different scales (e.g. food value-chains, farm dynamics and soil management). The class is complemented by practical group work conducted with the CSA Meh Als Gmues in Zürich on Measuring and monitoring Agroecological performance. Students will gain an overview on institutions and actors’ roles in the field of sustainable agricultural development. Throughout the group work, students will learn to engage directly with various stakeholders, monitor agroecological transition and communicate their research to a wider audience. Ultimately, this class should provide an overview on methods, tools, innovations and platforms that support a sustainable food transformation. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | Gliessman, S.R., Méndez, V.E., Izzo, V.M., & Engles, E.W. (2022). Agroecology: Leading the Transformation to a Just and Sustainable Food System (4th ed.). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003304043 HLPE. 2019. Agroecological and other innovative approaches for sustainable agriculture and food systems that enhance food security and nutrition. A report by the High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition of the Committee on World Food Security, Rome. Link to report: http://www.fao.org/3/ca5602en/ca5602en.pdf | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Prior participation in the lecture Nachhaltige Agrarökosysteme I (Sustainable Agroecosystems I) 751-5000-00G (spring term) recommended. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Competencies |
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Performance assessment
| Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again) | |
Performance assessment as a semester course | |
| ECTS credits | 2 credits |
| Examiners | K. Benabderrazik, J. Six |
| Type | graded semester performance |
| Language of examination | English |
| Repetition | Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit. |
Learning materials
| No public learning materials available. | |
| Only public learning materials are listed. |
Groups
| No information on groups available. |
Restrictions
| There are no additional restrictions for the registration. |