Plants and Civilizations (AGRI/IE 116) explores the complex relationships between... Show more
Earth and Space Science180 views·Updated May 30, 2026·23 pagesThe Role of Plants in Shaping Human Civilization
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Daniela @daniela_bdkf
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Course Overview and Goals
Plants and Civilizations examines how plants and humans have influenced each other across time and cultures. This course isn't just about memorizing plant facts—it's about developing critical thinking skills that will benefit you in college and beyond.
The course explores three main themes: the origins of agriculture, plants in human history, and plants as drugs. You'll investigate questions like why agriculture emerged in multiple places around the same time and how plants like tea and chocolate have shaped economies and cultures.
Beyond content knowledge, you'll develop valuable skills including how to find reliable information, analyze complex issues, and construct convincing arguments. These transferable skills will help you in other courses and your future career.
Pro Tip: This course includes many smaller assignments rather than a few big ones. Working consistently each week will help you succeed!
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Course Structure and Expectations
Lectures meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00-3:50 PM in Nutrien 140. Weekly recitation sections are held in E005 Plant Science, where you'll discuss readings and work on activities that deepen your understanding of lecture content.
The course uses a variety of assessment methods including weekly quizzes, short essays, a term project, group debates, and participation in recitation activities. These different formats help you develop and demonstrate multiple skills.
Attendance is essential! Lectures introduce key concepts, while recitation sections provide opportunities for discussion and feedback. If you must miss a recitation, contact your Teaching Assistant (TA) beforehand to arrange a make-up assignment.
Remember: Your TA's recitation page will have each week's readings and discussion assignments. Check it regularly to stay on track!
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Main Course Themes
The Origins of Agriculture and Evolution of Crop Plants section explores why agriculture emerged in 5-11 places worldwide at roughly the same time. We'll examine the consequences of shifting from hunter-gatherer to agricultural societies and how domestication changed both plants and human communities.
Plants and History investigates how plants like potatoes, bananas, chocolate, and tea have influenced economics, culture, and politics. Each plant tells a fascinating story about human history—from the potato's role in European economy to the cultural significance of tea and the religious rituals surrounding it.
Plants as Drugs examines how humans have used plants for medicine, recreation, and religious purposes. We'll explore ethnobotany (how cultures use plants), the discovery of therapeutic compounds, and the complex history of plants like opium, coca, and cannabis.
Did you know? The course includes a library research component to help you find reliable sources for your term project and develop research skills you'll use throughout college.
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Teaching Team and Resources
Dr. Andrew Norton leads the course with extensive background in plant ecology and invasive species management. His office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00-12:00 in C212 Plant Science or via Zoom.
Teaching Assistants hold weekly recitation sections and have their own office hours. They're your first point of contact for questions about assignments and readings, so don't hesitate to reach out!
The course uses Canvas to organize content into weekly modules containing lecture slides, videos, and recitation instructions. The Plants and Civilizations LibGuide provides additional research resources for assignments and the term project.
Success Strategy: Visit office hours! Meeting with instructors is one of the most underused but valuable resources for college success. They're there to help you understand course material and improve your work.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
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Earth and Space Science180 views·Updated May 30, 2026·23 pagesThe Role of Plants in Shaping Human Civilization
D
Daniela @daniela_bdkf
Plants and Civilizations (AGRI/IE 116) explores the complex relationships between plants and human societies throughout history. This course examines how plants have shaped civilizations through agriculture, economics, medicine, and culture, while building critical thinking and communication skills that extend beyond... Show more
1
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Course Overview and Goals
Plants and Civilizations examines how plants and humans have influenced each other across time and cultures. This course isn't just about memorizing plant facts—it's about developing critical thinking skills that will benefit you in college and beyond.
The course explores three main themes: the origins of agriculture, plants in human history, and plants as drugs. You'll investigate questions like why agriculture emerged in multiple places around the same time and how plants like tea and chocolate have shaped economies and cultures.
Beyond content knowledge, you'll develop valuable skills including how to find reliable information, analyze complex issues, and construct convincing arguments. These transferable skills will help you in other courses and your future career.
Pro Tip: This course includes many smaller assignments rather than a few big ones. Working consistently each week will help you succeed!
2
of 10Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Course Structure and Expectations
Lectures meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00-3:50 PM in Nutrien 140. Weekly recitation sections are held in E005 Plant Science, where you'll discuss readings and work on activities that deepen your understanding of lecture content.
The course uses a variety of assessment methods including weekly quizzes, short essays, a term project, group debates, and participation in recitation activities. These different formats help you develop and demonstrate multiple skills.
Attendance is essential! Lectures introduce key concepts, while recitation sections provide opportunities for discussion and feedback. If you must miss a recitation, contact your Teaching Assistant (TA) beforehand to arrange a make-up assignment.
Remember: Your TA's recitation page will have each week's readings and discussion assignments. Check it regularly to stay on track!
3
of 10Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Main Course Themes
The Origins of Agriculture and Evolution of Crop Plants section explores why agriculture emerged in 5-11 places worldwide at roughly the same time. We'll examine the consequences of shifting from hunter-gatherer to agricultural societies and how domestication changed both plants and human communities.
Plants and History investigates how plants like potatoes, bananas, chocolate, and tea have influenced economics, culture, and politics. Each plant tells a fascinating story about human history—from the potato's role in European economy to the cultural significance of tea and the religious rituals surrounding it.
Plants as Drugs examines how humans have used plants for medicine, recreation, and religious purposes. We'll explore ethnobotany (how cultures use plants), the discovery of therapeutic compounds, and the complex history of plants like opium, coca, and cannabis.
Did you know? The course includes a library research component to help you find reliable sources for your term project and develop research skills you'll use throughout college.
4
of 10Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Teaching Team and Resources
Dr. Andrew Norton leads the course with extensive background in plant ecology and invasive species management. His office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00-12:00 in C212 Plant Science or via Zoom.
Teaching Assistants hold weekly recitation sections and have their own office hours. They're your first point of contact for questions about assignments and readings, so don't hesitate to reach out!
The course uses Canvas to organize content into weekly modules containing lecture slides, videos, and recitation instructions. The Plants and Civilizations LibGuide provides additional research resources for assignments and the term project.
Success Strategy: Visit office hours! Meeting with instructors is one of the most underused but valuable resources for college success. They're there to help you understand course material and improve your work.
5
of 10Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
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of 10Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
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of 10Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
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of 10Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
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of 10Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
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of 10Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Similar Content
Most popular content: Agriculture
1Most popular content in Earth and Space Science
9Most popular content
9Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user