FRS 002 — Sec. 012 — (2
unit) —CRN 73056 — W 7:10-9:00pm — 25 Wellman
Herbal Medicine
Instructor: Jeanine Pfeiffer, Department of Plant Pathology, College
of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
Description: Educational objectives are: To expose students to
conceptual issues in herbal medicine from a broad, interdisciplinary, intercultural,
and international perspective; To engage students in critical analyses of herbal
medicine as it is defined, developed, used, and evaluated by scientists, practitioners,
and individuals from a wide range of cultures; To expose students to practical
issues associated with herbal medicine such as: plant biodiversity conservation,
biochemical evaluation, “food as medicine” and drug-related health
and safety issues; To increase student’s self-confidence in contributing
to class discussions, asking questions, and critiquing scientific articles; and
To provide students with a hands-on field exercise in plant identification. Course
readings originate from interdisciplinary scientific journals (e.g., BioScience,
Social Science & Medicine, New England Journal of Medicine, Economic Botany),
ethnobotanical texts (e.g., The Shaman’s Apprentice), the internet,
and from popular scientific and human-interest periodicals (e.g., Scientific
American, HerbalGram).
Format: The two hours involve a combination of small-group and
all-class discussions and exercises facilitated by the instructor, supplemented
with 2-3 guest lecturers and 2-3 documentary films during the quarter. Student
preparation of written reports of 500-800 words on weekly reading assignment are
required preparation prior to each class discussion session, as the results of
students’ weekly reports are shared verbally in class. The final paper consists
of two parts: (1) a descriptive report on six Native American medicinal plants
in preparation for the field trip (to assist with recognition of plant species
in the field and on-site, ad hoc, peer-teaching by students); and (2) a 1000 word
(minimum) conceptual review and critique of the course structure and topical areas
(as a means of encouraging students to engage in an integrated thinking exercise).
Grading: Punctual attendance and active contributions
to small-group and all-class discussions: 40%; weekly written assignments: 40%;
final paper; 20%.
About the Instructor: