IOG will also be referred to as Food Justice through Urban Gardening (or JUG for short). This decal is worth 2 units, not 1 unit.

This course has been redesigned to introduce both new and experienced gardeners to the basic theories and methods of urban agriculture, while exploring the ways that social injustice and inequality determine everything from our access to food to our relationship with the non-human world to environmental health. In our class, we hope to inspire students to engage with these social issues, hopefully through growing food, horticulture, compost, design, and many more.

This interactive, action-oriented class is structured to give students a chance to practice their growing abilities. After taking this course, students should feel empowered to make more informed judgements of food systems and take action against injustice (whether through growing food, finding topics for research, or shopping at a grocery store).

The class will take place in the Student Organic Garden, which is two blocks from the northwest corner of campus at the intersection of Virginia and Walnut. Due to the Student Organic Garden’s location, classes will start an additional 5 minutes after Berkeley time (a 3 pm class would start at 3:15) Each class will include a lesson on gardening techniques and/or environmental justice topics, along with related readings, discussion, and activities. A pivotal component of the class time will be working hands-on in the garden (accommodations can be made for those who cannot participate in activities). Additional field trips, garden potlucks, workshops, projects, and other social events may be organized by course facilitators.

Grading will be based on attendance, participation, seed-to-table project (complete one 2-5 minute presentation on the food/crop/ingredient of your choice and bring a snack to class that includes that ingredient. Your presentation can cover the food’s cultural history, use, and any other interesting facts that come up during your research. ), and community hours.