UDIST300 Earthworking
July 21–August 8, 2008

This interdisciplinary, field-based course focuses on earthworks, land use, and ecological interventions. Working closely with Pie Ranch and Mission Pie, students take several trips to the Ranch in Davenport, CA, to camp, study, experiment, and participate in the local food system. In addition to studying major earthworks from across the globe, the class visits local artisans, ecologists, ranchers, and historians to learn from the specific history and climate of the San Mateo coast. Work that is impermanent, sustainable, and experiential is encouraged. Depending on the interests and skills of the students, projects may include architectural restoration, garden design, brick oven or chicken coop construction. Participants will be camping on the land for one week, July 28 - August 1. Students from all departments are encouraged to enroll. Pie Ranch is a center for education and social change. Through hands-on learning about the full cycle of food production - from seed and shoot to scrumptious meal to steaming compost - they inspire people to build a healthier food system. Pie Ranch is also working to protect and restore the old Green Oaks Ranch - a historically, agriculturally, and ecologically significant farm on the San Mateo coast. http://www.pieranch.org

Interdisciplinary Studios extend a student's cross-school experience from Core Studio up into his or her upper division years. 3 units of Interdisciplinary Studio are required of all majors and must be completed in the junior or senior year.