HRT 475: International Studies in Horticulture

Course Code: HRT 475

Credits and Offerings

3 credits
Summer semester of even years

Course Description

HRT 475 is a two-week faculty-led study broad experience in Costa Rica offered in Mid-May of even years. Students will explore and compare tropical horticulture techniques/issues with those in temperate climates. A service-learning project will enhance student learning by applying knowledge to practical experience.

Course Objectives

Gain historical and geographical knowledge of horticulture in Costa Rica.
Explain, describe, and practice (service-learning project) tropical horticulture techniques.
Explain and describe common tropical crops used for food, spices, and beverages, as well as those with medicinal or ethnobotanical significance. Students will compare and contrast these crops with common horticulture crops in temperate climates.
Explain how the use of plants can improve the environment and apply and demonstrate that knowledge through a service-learning project with native students.
Identify, describe, and explain common production issues present in tropical horticulture and compare and contrast those with production issues in temperate climates.
Practice written and oral communication (journaling, oral presentations).