Special Project: Experiential Learning in Community Garden Management

Florence University of the Arts - The American University of Florence

Course Description

  • Course Name

    Special Project: Experiential Learning in Community Garden Management

  • Host University

    Florence University of the Arts - The American University of Florence

  • Location

    Florence, Italy

  • Area of Study

    Agriculture, Social Work

  • Language Level

    Taught In English

    Hours & Credits

  • Credits

    3
  • Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
    0
  • Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
    0
  • Overview

    Prerequisites:

    Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.

     
    Description:

    3-semester credits. Through this special project course, students are involved in horticultural practices with a focus on community and wellbeing. Students will engage in plant-related activities to foster the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical wellbeing of different groups of users and types of contexts. Activities will focus on indoor/outdoor gardens through the use of tools, equipment, structures, and techniques used in horticultural practices. Topics include principles of horticulture, plant propagation, soils, and soil cultivation, pests and diseases, watering management, and garden care. Students will experience first-hand the restorative powers of gardens, landscapes, and green spaces through direct experiences aimed at restoring the connectivity between green sustainability and society. Gardens in the urban landscape of Florence city center and the FUA-AUF campus network provide a rich backdrop for the field-based practices of this placement course. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through structured interaction with the community. Remote option students will gain international community exposure through a virtual setting. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life.
 The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Main tasks: Plant-based practices, horticultural therapy research, plant profiling and archiving, garden care and management, watering and propagation, final portfolio. Additional materials/Dress code: Garden-appropriate attire and protective clothing/shoes. Not applicable to remote option. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.

Course Disclaimer

Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.

Eligibility for courses may be subject to a placement exam and/or pre-requisites.

Some courses may require additional fees.

Availability of courses is based on enrollment numbers. All students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last minute class cancellations

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