Plants have, over history, had a significant cultural, economic and political impact. In this course we will look at ten different plants and see how the development and use of them has influenced economic and political development. We depend on plants to provide basic human needs such as food, clothing, shelter and even health care, but they are also important raw materials for a broad range of industrial processes. Historically it could be argued that the development of plants has had a more significant impact on society and economic development than most wars and revolutions. The use, and some would say, exploitation of plants provides us with a window on the economic development of society over time.
Course aim
Plants are crucial to our survival and some have proved particularly integral to our development economically and politically. In this course we will focus on ten plants which have arguably changed the course of history.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Analyse the role of ten different plants in economic development
- Summarise how various plants have influenced the course of history around the world
- Discuss the way the role of plants and plant-based technologies have influenced society over time
- Evaluate the impact of plants on political change
- Understand the cultural impact of ten different plants over time
What else do I need to know?
You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom.
View full course information sheet
