World Agricultural Systems (WAS) is a course that explores the historical origins of crops and agriculture, surveys how and where our food supply is produced today, and projects what the future may hold for the world's people. The course consists of lectures that highlight the instructors' personal experiences with world agriculture wherever possible and discussions that focus on current events and student contributions.
Students completing WAS will understand the geographic and cultural origins of the major plant and animal foods and the historical rise of the major methods of food production. Students will know how and where food is produced around the world today and will appreciate the impacts of technology, communication, transportation, and globalization. Students completing the course will have the tools and knowledge to keep abreast of world events that affect agriculture and the food supply in ways that will be relevant to their personal and professional lives.
