Special Topics in Crop and Soil Science Farming Today for Tomorrow A Seminar Series Concerning Issues of Sustainable Agriculture Organic Farming CSS 499/599
The overriding theme of most issues in agriculture today is sustainability in all its various facets - environment, economics, and social impacts. Each winter term, the department of Crop and Soil Science presents an undergraduate seminar series entitled Farming Today for Tomorrow that will deal with a specific theme of agricultural sustainability.		Videotape Speakers and Topics Links to related web pages and other resources Class Requirements and Grading Instructors

Class Overview – Organic Farming

This is a one-credit pass/no-pass class consisting of nine videotapes each approximately one hour in length. Each tape is a recording of a seminar pertaining to organic farming and was presented during the on-campus CSS199 seminar series offered Winter Term 2002 by the Crop and Soil Science Department of Oregon State University. This particular seminar series focuses on organic farming and revolves around the central theme of sustainable agriculture. The intent of this seminar series is to present results of scientific research on organic farming and to acquaint viewers with some of the diverse experiences and viewpoints about organic farming. A primary goal of organic farming is to produce food and fiber using management systems that enhance the ecological balance of natural systems. Organic farming practices are designed to foster biological diversity and naturally improve soil fertility. The use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers is restricted to minimize environmental impact and the occurrence of chemical residues in food. Organic foods are processed as little as possible, without additions of artificial ingredients and preservatives, in order to maintain their integrity and nutritional value. This course serves as a forum to exchange ideas and discuss the role of organic farming in sustainable agriculture.

The course requirements are simple - watch each tape, take a short on-line quiz, and write a 3-5 page final paper on some aspect of BioProducts. Details on these requirements are given below. A web site is maintained for the class with information links.

Beginning Spring term 2002, this class can be accessed through the OSU's teaching and learning portal (Blackboard). Students enrolled in CSS 499/599 classes are encouraged to use this system to participate in on-line discussion groups about issues related to Organic Farming with other students in the course.

Students will need to order the videotapes for this course from the OSU bookstore, by calling the toll free number (800) 595-0357. The videos will be sent by mail, or they can be picked up at the textbook counter on the lower level of the bookstore. There is a $25 rental fee for the videos for each class. If the videos are not returned, there is an additional $50 charged to the student’s account. This fee is nonrefundable.

Class Requirements and Grading

The class is graded pass/fail. To pass students must do the following:

1. View all video tapes.
2. Take a short on-line quiz pertaining to the important concepts and ideas presented in the video tape.
3. Write a three-page Final Paper with at least five references (journal article, magazine articles, web page sites, etc.) on the issue of pertaining to Cropping Systems. Examples of a final papers and bibliography are posted on each class Blackboard site. Papers are to have one-inch margins on all sides and be 12 point font, Times Roman, single spaced.
4. Those students who are taking the class for graduate credit (CSS599) a five page Final Paper must be written on a topic relevant to the class material.
5. All Final Paper topics must be approved in advance by the instructor.
6. Grading for the course is based on 100 total points. At least 70 points must be accumulated by the student in order to get credit. There are a total of 45 possible points available from the exams, and 55 possible points assigned to the final paper. Any combination of point will allow the student to pass the course.

Videotape Speakers and Topics

Instructor

Kimberly Hannaway
Expertise Area: Educational Design
Office: Crop Science Building 022
Phone: 541-737-5036
Fax: 541-737-1589
Email: kimberly@oregonstate.edu

Mailing Address:
Department of Crop and Soil Science
Crop Science Building 107
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331-3002