Courses Offered

Below is a listing of courses offered by Stockbridge School. Use the menu on the right to navigate quickly to a specific area of study. Visit the individual major page for specific requirements.

Animal Science (ANIMLSCI)

102 Equine Skills (fall sem) 4 cr

Hands-on participation in stable management skills, including stall cleaning, feeding, barn maintenance, fence building and repair, grooming, and equipment use.

141 Handling Horses (spring sem) 2 cr

Fundamental principles of horse training; halter breaking; loading and trailering; and equipment use.

150 Beginner Equitation I (both sem) 1 cr ($500 fee)

An introductory course for those who have had no previous riding experience or formal instruction. Grooming, bridling, and saddling; walk, trot, and canter. By permission of instructor.

151 Beginner Equitation II (both sem) 1 cr ($500 fee)

A continuation of ANIMLSCI 150. Aimed at strengthening position and security of the rider, and introducing basic riding theory. Work without stirrups at walk, trot, and canter. Introduce jump position at walk and trot. By permission of instructor.

152 Intermediate Equitation I (both sem) 1 cr ($500 fee)

Developing balanced seat position at walk, trot, and canter without stirrups. Jump position practiced over cavaletti. Circles, figure eights, transitions, individual tests are utilized to develop control and precision. Consent of instructor and previous formal instruction. By permission of instructor.

153 Intermediate Equitation II (both sem) 1 cr ($500 fee)

Extension of ANIMLSCI 152 with riders secure in position at the basic paces over low fences. More difficult or more sensitive, schooled horses used. Beginning dressage and combined training. By permission of instructor.

154 Advanced Equitation (both sem) 1 cr ($500 fee)

Riders are expected to be proficient in all areas covered through ANIMLSCI 153. Emphasis on the feeling and effective rider. Dressage, cross-country and stadium jumping are more fully developed. By permission of instructor.

196 Independent Study (both sem) 1-3 cr

Independent work related to some area of the equine industry. By consent of the program coordinator and instructor.

198 Internship (fall sem) 2-3 cr

Practical farm or related business experience in animal agriculture. Minimum of eight weeks of a working/learning experience as approved in advance by a faculty member. Written report required.

220 Physiology and Anatomy/Domestic Animals (fall sem) 4 cr

Integration of gross structural and organ anatomy to physiological systems, function, and regulation. Emphasis on relationship of structure to function and system control in both animals and humans.

241 Breaking & Training the Horse (spring sem) 3 cr

Basic training techniques, the methodology and psychology of training horses. Includes halter breaking, lunging, driving, breaking the horse to ride. Prerequisite: ANIMLSCI 153 or 154.

244 Business of Horses (fall sem) 3 cr

Topics include taxes as related to the horse business, depreciating facility cost, breeding contracts, syndications, record-keeping, computer records.

247 Horse Breeds, Types, Selection (spring sem) 3 cr

The history and development of breeds and their present type, conformation and use. Emphasis on the importance of anatomy and conformation and the relationship of form to function. Prerequisite: ANIMLSCI 220.

280 Topics in the Horse Industry (spring sem) 3 cr

Seminar on current topics in the horse industry with a class project of managing an equine event such as field day, clinic, or horse show.

297A Basic Therapeutic Riding Practicum

Students will particpate in teaching a therapeutic riding class by working as side walkers, leaders and assistants. Classes are offered to riders from the community who will benefit from this form of therapy. Trained instructors teach classes, and they may also include participation by allied professionals such as physical therapists. Students will gain insight into the theory and methods of therapeutic riding through class participation, work with instructors and writing a reseach paper.

298 Treatment Practicum

TBA

332 Basic Animal Nutrition and Feeding (fall sem) 4 cr

Detailed study of the major nutrients, their digestion and metabolism for various animal species with emphasis on domesticated animals. Requirements for different productive functions including maintenance, growth, work and lactation. With lab. Knowledge of chemistry desirable. Prerequisites: BIOLOGY 100 and CHEM 102 (concurrently).

344 Theories and Methods of Equitation Instruction (fall sem) 3 cr

For potential instructors. Awareness of teaching responsibilities. Knowledge and skills in instructing a group of riders, including theory and practical application. Prerequisite: ANIMLSCI 153 level riding skill.

360 Farm Animal Care and Welfare (fall sem) 3 cr

The moral and ethical theories of animal rights and welfare as they pertain to farm animals. Exploration of the history of farm animal welfare and the assessment of animal rights and welfare movement today. Special attention given to the economic, ethical, and welfare aspects of current animal husbandry practices.

397A Horse Breeding (spring sem) 1 cr

The application of breeding practices. To be taken concurrently with ANIMLSCI 445.

397F  Teaching Community Riding

TBA

442 Practice Teaching of Equitation (both sem) 3 cr

Students plan, direct and teach Beginning Equitation under staff supervision. Prerequisite: ANIMLSCI 344.

445 Equine Stud Farm Management (spring sem) 3 cr

With Lab. Physiological basis and regulation of equine reproduction. Emphasis on application to horse breeding and management. Provides lab experience with breeding techniques.

459 Horse Management (fall sem) 4 cr

History, development, nutrition, selection, reproduction, health, and management of the horse. The pleasure horse emphasized but all aspects of the horse industry explored. Field trips to a variety of horse farms.

497A Equine Diseases and Health Management (spring sem) 1 cr

Emphasis on topics such as wound care, vaccination, dental care, feed programs, lameness detection, parasite control, and breeding programs. Prerequisite: ANIMLSCI 459.

Art History (ART-HIST)

115 Introduction to the Visual Arts (both sem) 3 cr

The discipline of art history and the tools of visual analysis it employs. Focus on issues such as Classicism, "primitive" art, realism, and modernity, presented in roughly chronological order. Discussion of these issues in relation to contemporary visual culture.

Biology (BIOLOGY)

102 Introduction to Animal Biology (spring sem) 4 cr

With lab. Survey of cellular biology, genetics, human physiology, evolution, behavior, and ecology. Lab includes dissection of invertebrate and vertebrate groups. Students majoring in a biological science should take

Chemistry (CHEM)

102 General Chemistry for Nonscience Majors (fall sem) 3 cr

Fundamental chemical laws; emphasis on the relationship between the structure of molecules and their properties exemplified by the chemicals of life (proteins, carbohydrates, DNA, etc.), foods, medicines, and synthetic polymeric materials.

English (ENGLISH)

120 English Composition (both sem) 3 cr

Emphasis on tools and techniques of the writing process; prewriting, revising, and editing.

Environmental Design (ENVIRDES)

335 Plants in the Landscape (fall sem) 4 cr

With lab. Introduction to 200 basic ornamental plants used in landscape architectural, site planning, naturalistic, highway, and other design uses; their identification, uses, and cultural requirements. Two weekly campus field trips. Workbook with sketches required.

Forestry (FOREST)

102 Aerial Techniques (both sem) 1 cr

Field laboratory and practicum, instruction in the principles of rigging, advanced rope techniques, and chainsaw application for tree pruning and removal. Arboriculture & Forestry students only or with permission of instructor. Estimated equipment cost: $50.

110 Introduction to Forestry (spring sem) 3 cr

Lecture and one mandatory Saturday field trip. Broad overview of the practice and profession of forestry. Acquire the tools to understand forest management decisions, communicated with foresters, and appreciate forests, their complexity, and judicious stewardship. Estimated equipment cost: $100.

191A Seminar in Arboriculture (spring sem - seven week course) 2 cr

Broad introduction to the various job opportunities in arboriculture, urban forestry, and parks.

198 Internship (fall sem) 5 cr

Required of all students majoring in Arboriculture. Five months (April - August) internship for work experience in the field. Submission of reports and collections required.

210 Principles of Arboriculture II (spring sem) 2 cr

Continuation of FOREST 332. Lab fee for Arboriculture majors. Seven-week course.

305 Private Tree Business (fall sem) 3 cr

Programs and surveys dealing with trees; private tree work. For students interested primarily in arboriculture.

310 Urban Forestry (spring sem) 3 cr

Management principles of municipal and utility tree care, land use problems, tree laws and ordinances.

332 Principles of Arboriculture I (fall sem) 3 cr

The use and maintenance of trees in the urban environment from a private as well as governmental perspective.

396 Independent Study (both sem) 1-3 cr

Independent work related to some area of arboriculture. By consent of program coordinator and instructor.

Landscape Architecture (LANDARCH)

294A Construction Materials (spring sem) 3 cr

Introduction to materials used in landscape construction, their design potential and limitations. Design details and construction methods discussed.

294B Construction Materials Practicum (spring sem) 1 cr

Lab course for LANDARCH 294A. Uses of brick, stone, concrete, wood, and other landscape media are examined.

297M Business Concepts of Landscape Contracting (spring sem) 1 cr

Introduces students to the varied aspects of running a small business, specifically in the service industry of landscape contracting.

Landscape Contracting (LANDCONT)

104 Planting Design (spring sem) 3 cr

In preparation for cooperative work training, the programming for such horticultural practices as pruning, planting, winter protection, and pest control in gardens and nurseries. Seven-week course. Prerequisites: ENVIRDES 335 and LANDCONT 112.

105 Landscape Drafting (spring sem) 2 cr

Drafting techniques necessary in landscape work, including lettering, line work, freehand sketching, scale drawings, plans, elevations, sections, profiles, composition, and rendering. Seven-week course. Lab materials required.

107 Land Form (fall sem) 4 cr

Practice in use of simple surveying instruments such as tapes, compasses, and levels for measurement of land surfaces. Methods of grading and graphic representations of land form (contours and profiles) are explored.

112 Introduction to Landscape Design (fall sem) 4 cr

An introduction to the landscape media of plants, land forms, structures, and water. Graphic techniques, including modeling, drafting, and plan and cross-section drawings are initiated. An examination of built landscape designs in the field and on paper. Landscape contracting students only.

196 Independent Study (both sem) 1-3 cr

Independent work related to some area dealing with landscape contracting. By consent of program coordinator and instructor.

198 Internship (fall sem) 4 cr

Required of all students majoring in Landscape Contracting. Five months (April - August) internship in the field of nursery and landscape work; submission of reports and collections required.

213 Small Property Design (spring sem) 4 cr

Using models, the landscape media of land, plants, structures, and water are employed to create landscape space. Real situations with local clients are designed. Techniques of interviewing, photographing, site analysis, and design are explored. Estimated material costs: $200. Prerequisites: LANDCONT 104 and LANDCONT 107.

Mathematics (MATH)

100 Basic Math Skills for the Modern World

Topics in mathematics that every educated person needs to know to process, evaluate, and understand the numerical and graphical information in our society. Applications of mathematics in problem solving, finance, probability, statistics, geometry, population growth. Note: This course does not cover the algebra and pre-calculus skills needed for calculus.

101 Precalculus Algebra with Functions and Graphs (both sem) 2 cr

First semester of the two-semester sequence MATH 101-102. Detailed, in-depth review of manipulative algebra; introduction to functions and graphs, including linear, quadratic, and rational functions. Prerequisite: MATH 011 or Placement Exam Part A score above 10. Students needing a less extensive review should register for MATH 104.

104 Algebra, Analytic Geometry, and Trigonometry (both sem) 3 cr

One-semester review of manipulative algebra, introduction to functions, some topics in analytic geometry, and that portion of trigonometry needed for calculus. Placement Exam, Part A score above 15.

Natural Resources Conservation (NRC)

100 Society and the Environment (fall sem) 3 cr

Conservation principles and their application to problems in soils, water, forests, wildlife, mineral, and general landscape resources; relationship of conservation to national and international environmental issues.

Natural Resource Studies (NAT-RESR)

396A  Independent Study - National Park Service course $1995 fee 6 cr

A 334-hour course leading to certification as a seasonal law enforcement officer with the National Park Service.

www.umassulearn.net/ProfDevCLE.htm.asp

Plant, Soil & Insect Sciences (PLSOILIN)

101 Insects and Related Forms (spring sem - first seven weeks) 2 cr

Introduction to insect recognition, development, damage, and control. Eight-week course. With lab.

102 Introductory Botany (fall sem) 4 cr

Structure, function, and reproduction of plants; emphasis on the flowering plants. Stockbridge majors only.

103 Plant Science (spring sem - first seven weeks) 2 cr

The ways in which water, light, and temperature influence plants, and the ways in which plants respond to changes in the environment. Emphasis on physical nature of these environmental factors. Seven-week course. Stockbridge majors only.

104 Plant Nutrients (spring sem - first seven weeks) 2 cr

Functions of mineral nutrients in plants, effects of mineral deficiencies, and sources of these nutrients to prevent or alleviate deficiencies in crop production. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 105.

105 Soils (fall sem) 4 cr

 

Physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil for agricultural purposes and their management to enhance crop production. Prerequisite: some knowledge of chemistry.

107 Turfgrass Insects (spring sem - second seven weeks) 2 cr

Principles and practical methods of controlling specific turfgrass insect pests. Prerequisites: PLSOILIN 111. Turfgrass Management seniors only.

109 Insects of Ornamentals (fall sem) 3 cr

The recognition, biology, and control of major insect and mite pests attacking shade trees and woody ornamentals in the northeastern U.S. Emphasis on techniques and knowledge useful to the professional in tree care.

Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 111. Seniors or consent of instructor.

111 Horticultural Plant Pathology (fall sem) 3 cr

Introduction to plant pathology of horticultural crops. Identification, description, and management of diseases in modern horticultural production. Chemical, biological, cultural, and genetic controls and their integration.

Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 102 or equivalent.

112 Turf Disease Lab (fall sem) 1 cr

Diagnosis and management of turfgrass diseases. Diagnosis techniques and appropriate cultural, chemical, genetic, and biological management strategies. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 111. Turfgrass Management majors.

113 Plant Pathology Lab (Woody Plants) (fall sem) 1cr

Diagnosis and management of the health problems of woody plants. Students learn to recognize the major plant diseases of trees and shrubs using plant materials on campus. Disease management options presented on an individual basis in a clinical context. Concurrent with PLSOILIN 111

114 Plant Pathology Lab (Floriculture and Vegetable Crops) (fall sem)1 cr

Diagnosis and management of important diseases of floriculture and vegetable crops in the northeast. Concurrent with PLSOILIN 111. Horticulture and Fruit and Vegetable Crops majors.

120 Organic Farming and Gardening (spring sem) 3 cr

With lab. Introduction to principles of soil fertility and crop management by organic procedures which are contrasted and evaluated against conventional chemical methods of farming.

182 Principles of Pesticide Management (spring sem) 2 cr

Topics include state and federal pesticide laws and regulations, pesticides and the environment, handling and storage of pesticides, classes and formulations of pesticides, safety and application equipment, understanding the pesticide label, toxicity, proper calculation and mixing of pesticides, and history of pesticide use. Includes preparation for the Massachusetts Pesticide Core Exam. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 111

196 Independent Study (both sem) 1-4 cr

Independent work related to some area dealing with plant and soil sciences. By consent of program coordinator and instructor.

200 Plant Propagation (fall sem) 3 cr

Principles and practices of vegetative and sexual plant propagation, including seed production, cuttings, grafting, division, and tissue culture. The hormonal and physiological factors affecting rooting, seed dormancy, grafting, budding, and layering. Prerequisite or concurrent: PLSOILIN 102.

210 Retail Floral Design (fall sem) 3 cr

Principles involved in creating and constructing marketable floral arrangements, including weddings and funeral flowers.

230 Introductory Turfgrass Management (fall sem) 3 cr

Basic principles of selecting and managing turfgrass for home lawns, parks, golf courses, and other turf areas. Topics include: climatic adaptation, grass identification, establishment practices, pest control, fertility, and environmental stresses. Prerequisite or concurrent: PLSOILIN 102, 105, or consent of instructor.

232 Turf Machinery (spring sem - last seven weeks) 3 cr

Principles of engines and machinery operation, maintenance, selection, and minor repair. Turfgrass equipment emphasized.

234 Irrigation and Drainage (spring sem) 3 cr

With lab. Principles of hydraulics and system design for golf courses. Irrigation planning and layout of irrigation systems; equipment performance and selection; installation practices and operating procedures.

235 Pruning Fruit Crops (spring sem - last seven weeks) 2 cr

Theory and practice of pruning deciduous fruit plants. Emphasis on practical, hands-on experience.

240 Applied Calculations in Turf Management (spring sem)2cr

Computations applied to turfgrass situations. Topics include area and volume measurements, fertilizer and pesticide requirements and cost analysis, seed calculations, irrigation requirements, and spreader and sprayer calibration procedures and associated math. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 230 or consent of instructor.

255 Herbaceous Plants (spring sem) 3 cr

Study and identification of herbaceous perennials; their uses as ornamental plants for home, park, and business.

265 Sustainable Agriculture (fall sem) 3cr

Definition of "sustainable" agriculture. Assessment of current methods of producing food. Scientific, theoretical, and policy aspects of sustainable agriculture. Includes field trips. Some knowledge of basic agricultural principles helpful.

275 Turfgrass Physiology and Ecology (spring sem) 3 cr

Basic concepts in agricultural chemistry as related to the growth and culture of turf grasses. Overall growth and development of grasses influenced by soil fertility and mineral nutrition. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 230.

280 Herbs, Spices, and Medicinal Plants (spring sem) 3 cr

Introduction to the growth, culture, and science related to the production and use of herbs, spices, and medicinal plants. Emphasis on plants used in the home; discussion of bioactivity of plant extracts. Practice in seeding, growing, oil extraction, and utilization of these plants.

297F Commercial Floral Design II (fall sem) 3 cr

Advanced techniques used in high-style floral arrangements. Students will design with fresh, dried, and silk flowers. Floral shop management will be discussed, including marketing, pricing, purchasing, personnel management, and promotional programs.

300 Deciduous Orchard Science (fall sem, odd years) 3 cr

With lab. Principles and practices involved in the establishment and maintenance of deciduous orchards.

305 Small Fruit Production (fall sem, even years) 3 cr

With lab. Principles and practices governing the establishment and management of small fruit plants.

310 Principles of Weed Management (fall sem) 3 cr

History of weed control; importance of weeds and their relationship to people and the environment; ecology of weeds, competition, persistence in survival mechanisms; reproduction, seed germination, and dormancy; methods of weed control, cultural, biological, chemical, and integrated pest management strategies; classification of herbicides and their selectivity; soil factors affecting herbicide performance, persistence in degradation; application equipment and calibration of sprayers; weed management systems for various crops and non-crop areas.

315 Greenhouse Management (fall sem) 4 cr

With lab. Introduction to the greenhouse environment and the technology used in production of greenhouse crops. Greenhouse experiments in crop production; exercises on greenhouse structures, heating and cooling, growing media, crop nutrition, photoperiod control and lighting, and growth regulation; field trip to local greenhouses. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 102 or equivalent.

321 Greenhouse Crop Production I (fall sem) 3 cr

With lab. Greenhouse culture of seasonal crops, stressing modern concepts of production and management. Prerequisites: PLSOILIN 315 or equivalent.

325 Vegetable Production (spring sem) 4 cr

With lab. Principles of production of vegetable crops; emphasis on cultural practices used in home gardens and in commercial operations. Prerequisites: PLSOILIN 102

335 Greenhouse Crop Production II (spring sem) 4 cr

With lab. Greenhouse culture of spring greenhouse crops. Postharvest handling of cut flowers and potted plants. Prerequisites: PLSOILIN 315 and 321.

340 Advanced Turfgrass Management (spring sem) 3 cr

Management of environmental stress in turfgrass. Special practices in managing high quality turfgrass areas such as golf courses, athletic fields, and ornamental areas. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 275.

350 Crop Science (spring sem) 3 cr

With lab. Examination of sustainable farming systems for forage and field crop production. Cultural requirements and physiological responses of crops. Illustrations of concepts, discussions of topics, and examination of distinguishing morphological characteristics of selected crop species during laboratory sessions. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 102 or consent of instructor.

360 Nursery Management (spring sem) 4 cr

With lab. Cultural practices of field and container production; how these practices and environmental factors influence nursery crop growth and development. Topics include: site selection, planting and spacing, mineral nutrition, harvesting, irrigation practices, pest management, and overwintering. Basic economic management of nursery crops production and marketing reviewed. Prerequisites: PLSOILIN 105, 200; ENVIRDES 335 highly recommended.

365 Hydroponics (spring sem) 4 cr

With lab. Instruction in and practice of soilless culture of plants by hydroponics. Topics include plant nutrition, nutrient solutions, media, systems and techniques of hydroponics, and marketing. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 105 or 120.

370 Tropical Agriculture (fall sem) 3 cr

Tropical regions of the world, their environment and classification; influence of climate, population, and socio-economic conditions on agriculture; major crops and cropping systems of sub-humid tropics; introduction to dry land agriculture; importance of rainfall and irrigation to productivity; green revolution; desertification; present and future research needs of region; and state of agricultural technology.

397C Community Food Systems (spring sem) 3 cr

With lab. The movement of food from the grower to the consumer. Emphasis on how consumers get access to food from emergency and non-emergency sources. Direct marketing, Community-Supported Agriculture, farmers' markets, and small-scale farming discussed. Outside speakers from area community food banks, CSAs, non-profit organizations, faith communities, soup kitchens, and farmers' markets lead to discussions on various topics related to food access.

397F Pesticide Management for Greenhouse Crops (spring sem) (first seven weeks) 2 cr

With lab. An introduction to the procedures used in commercial greenhouses for managing diseases, insects, mites, and weeds. Emphasis on the biology of the major pests of greenhouse crops, and cultural, biological, chemical, and integrated pest management (IPM) methods for controlling these pests. Lab exercises on insect identification, disease diagnosis, and pest scouting. Prerequisites: PLSOILIN 315 and PLSOILIN 321.

398G Greenhouse Practicum (both sem) 1 cr

Students will receive individualized instruction from greenhouse staff. Course will focus on venting and temperature control, maintaining outdoor gardens, harvesting of floricultural crops, post-harvest handling of floricultural crops, fertilization, propagation, greenhouse maintenance, operation of greenhouse equipment (fertilizer injector).

Resource Economics (RES-ECON)

140 Managing Your Own Business (spring sem) 3 cr

Business organization and financing. Personal and business goals and strategic planning. Procuring, pricing, and presenting goods and services to the consumer; budgeting, cash flow, and profit analysis, developing a comprehensive plan for starting and managing a small business.

141 Consumer Marketing for Horticulture (spring sem) (first seven weeks) 2 cr

Theoretical and practical marketing for agricultural crops and services including overviews of research, plan development and creative positioning, plus preparation of radio spots, print ads, and press releases. No prerequisites.

142 People in Organizations (spring sem) 3 cr

Basic principles of organizational operation and personnel management with emphasis on human behavior.

Stockbridge (STOCKSCH)

101 Independent Study in Leadership (both sem) 1-3 cr

170 Special Problems: Pesticide Certification (spring & fall sem) 1 cr

In Preparation for pesticide certification exam refer to www.mass.gov/agr/pesticides or call (617) 626-1785 for dates of Massachusetts exams.

185 Internship: Horticulture (fall sem) 4 cr

Required of all students majoring in Horticulture. Five months (April- August) internship in the specific field of study; reports required.

186 Internship: Fruit and Vegetable Crops (fall sem) 4 cr

Required of all students majoring in Fruit and Vegetable Crops. Five months (April-August) internship in the specific field of study; reports required.

187 Internship: Turfgrass Management (fall sem) 3 cr

Required of all students majoring in Turfgrass Management. Three months (June -August) internship in the specific field of study; reports required.

297F AIFD Seminar

A day-long Artist in Residence (AIR) workshop is presented by American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) designers. Students prepare for the AIFD student floral design competition in July.

Wildlife & Fisheries Conservation (W&FCONSV)

261 Wildlife Conservation

Fundamental ecology and principles of wildlife management. Emphasis on wildlife habitat and population characteristics and responses. Prerequisites: one semester of general biology or consent of instructor.

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