ENVS 170 - Beekeeping: A Cultural and Environmental History

HC ARHU CD

2 credits
Humans have “kept” honeybees for millennia, but have never fully tamed them. This modular course explores our complex relationship with this fascinating semi-domesticated species from a global perspective (Eurasia, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas), with particular emphasis on Russia and the Slavic world, which has an extraordinarily rich beekeeping tradition. Topics include: basic bee biology; wild bees; bee lining; traditional beekeeping, including tree hives, skeps, log hives (we’ll build one!); the development of the movable-frame hives and the rise of industrial apiculture; colony collapse disorder and climate change; new approaches to natural or “bee-centric” beekeeping. Some weekend field trips/activities.
Does this course require off campus field trips? Yes

This course is cross-listed with RUSS 170

This course is appropriate for new students.
Sustainability