Plants, People and the Ecosystem: Neotropical Ethnobotany

Maderas Field Station, Ometepe Island, Nicaragua
Summer Session #3, July 22-Aug 16, 2011

Course Instructors:

Dr. Mark Merlin, Ph.D., Professor of Botany, University of Hawai`i 

merlin@hawaii.edu   http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/facultypages/mark_merlin.htm,

Laura Shiels, Herbalist, M.S. Botany, Ph.D. candidate in Ethnobotany, University of Hawai`i.

weissl@hawaii.edu   http://www.herbalmagik.com via Microsoft Internet Explorer:

Description

This course will focus on ethnoecology -- how people interact with ecosystems, and medical ethnobotany -- how people interact with medicinal plants.   Students will learn from a combination of classroom-style lectures and hands-on activities.  Students may also have the opportunity to conduct original ethnobotanical research. Major topics include the following:

1. •Overview of the science of ethnobotany
   

2. •Natural history, volcanism, botany, and ecology of Ometepe, a world heritage site
   

3. •Comparison of natural history and ecology of the “old” and “new” world tropics
   

4. •Land management, the environment, and health
   

5. •Ethnobotanical research ethics, methods/techniques, and project design
   

6. •Different perspectives from which to explore the relationship between people and plants
   

7. •Botanical history of medicine
   

8. •How plant medicines work in the body
   

9. •Herbal medicine making and medicinal specimen collecting workshops
   

10. •The food-medicine-poison continuum and food/herb-drug interactions
    

11. •Conduct original ethnobotanical research in a unique cultural and ecological environment
    

Pre-requisites/Preparation

This course requires motivation, a positive attitude, and an inquisitive, open mind.  There are no pre-requisites for this course and it is suitable for students of any educational background and level.  Hands-on activities and research opportunities will be tailored to the preparation and goals of individual students.  We will engage in several outdoor excursions and hikes in the attractive and diverse environments of Ometepe as part of the class.

Course Objectives

Gain a deeper knowledge and appreciation for the relationship between people and plants, and diverse cultures and ecosystems.

Learn how plants have contributed to society as we know it and how our relationship with plants shapes the future to come.

Learn how and why people have utilized plants as medicine, for material culture, for spiritual enlightenment.

Learn how people shape environments and the associated consequences for health and the environment.

Learn to conduct ethnobotanical research/improve research skills.

Contribute beneficially to the community and environment of Ometepe.

Develop meaningful friendships with people with similar interests.

Optional: Publish original research results.