Registration and Grades - Course Listing

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 I (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

For those with no previous riding experience or formal instruction. Grooming, bridling, and saddling and other basic stable skills; walk, trot (sitting and rising), and canter. Basic riding theory introduced. $800 fee. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

151 Beginner Equitation II (both sem) 1 cr

A continuation of ANIMLSCI 150. Position at the basic paces more fully developed; work without stirrups, elementary jumping. Riding theory and horsemanship discussed and developed. $800 fee. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

152 Intermediate Equitation I (both sem) 1 cr

The balance seat positions at all basic paces with and without stirrups. Jumping skills developed over low fences and gymnastics. Basic school figures and theory as it pertains to horsemanship, dressage, and combined training. $800 fee. Prerequisites: previous formal instruction and permission of instructor.

153 Intermediate Equitation II (both sem) 1 cr

An extension of ANIMLSCI 152 with riders secure in their position at the basic paces. School figures, work over fences, including gymnastics, stadium, and cross-country type fences. Development of skills and knowledge of horsemanship, specifically dressage and jumping. $800 fee. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

154 Advanced Equitation (both sem) 1 cr

Riders expected to be proficient in all areas covered through ANIMLSCI 153. Dressage, cross-country, and stadium jumping more fully developed. Emphasis on development of feel for the horse and becoming a more effective rider. $800 fee. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

196 Independent Study (both sem) 1-3 cr

Independent work related to some area of the equine industry. Prerequisites: permission of instructor and program coordinator.

198 Equine Industries Internship (spring 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 program coordinator. Written report required.

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

With lab. 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.

232 Feeds and Feeding (fall sem) 3 cr

Principles of nutrition and the development of rations. Emphasis on the nutrient requirements and nutrient content of feeds.

241 Breaking and 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. Prerequisites: ANIMLSCI 141, 153 and 154.

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

The history and development of the breeds and their present day type, conformation, and use. Emphasis on the importance of anatomy and conformation and the relationship of form to function. A systematic approach to selection.

297A Basic Therapeutic Riding Practices (both sem) 1 cr

Students will participate 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 research paper.

297L Livestock Classic (spring sem) 1 cr

Grooming and showing cattle, swine, sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, and horses are taught by hands-on experience and presentation of the animals in a show organized by the students each spring and open to the public. No previous experience needed.

298 Practicum (both sem) 1 cr

Contact department for description. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

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

For potential instructors. Awareness of teaching responsibilities. Knowledge and skills applicable to instructing a group of riders, including theory and practice. Prerequisite: ANIMLSCI 152, 153 or 154-level riding ability.

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 the animal rights and welfare movement today. Special attention given to the economical, ethical, and welfare aspects of current animal husbandry practices.

397A Horse Breeding (spring sem) 1 cr

The application of breeding practices to provide understanding and hands on opportunity in equine reproduction. Prerequisite: ANIMLSCI 445 (may be taken concurrently).

397F  Community Riding Instruction (both sem) 1-3 cr

Students teach riding under the supervision of the assistant riding instructor. Prerequisite: ANIMLSCI 344.

442 Practice Teaching Equitation (both sem) 3 cr

Students plan, direct, and teach Beginner Equitation under faculty supervision. Prerequisite: ANIMLSCI 344.

445 Equine Stud Farm Management (spring sem) 3 cr

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

With lab. 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) 3 cr

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

Biology (BIOLOGY)

102 Introductory Animal Biology (spring sem) 4 cr

Lecture: cell biology, genetics, animal diversity, evolution, and ecology. Lab: survey of animal groups; experiments in animal structure and function, including dissection. Field trip.

Chemistry (CHEM)

102 General Chemistry for Non-Science Majors (fall sem) 3 cr

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 Landscape (fall sem) 4 cr

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

Forestry (FOREST)

102 Arboricultural Field Techniques (fall sem) 2 cr

Principles of rigging, advanced rope techniques, and chainsaw applications for tree pruning and removal. Arboriculture and Forestry majors only. Prerequisite: FOREST 232 (may be taken concurrently).

191A Seminar in Arboriculture and Community Forestry (spring sem) 2 cr

Contact department for description. Arboriculture and Forestry majors only. Seven-week course.

198 Arboriculture Internship (spring sem) 4 cr

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

210 Arboricultural Field Techniques II (spring sem) 2 cr

Continuation of FOREST 232. Arboriculture and Forestry majors only. Seven-week course. Prerequisite: FOREST 232.

225 Forests and People (spring sem) 3 cr

Explores the unique values that forests have in our culture; key characteristics of forests in the Northeast and how and why they have changed through time; historical and contemporary leaders in forest conservation; sustainable forest management principles and practices; current forest use patterns and trends and the challenges and opportunities they present in the 21st century.

232 Principles of Arboriculture (fall sem) 3 cr

The use and maintenance of trees in the urban environment from both a private and government perspective.

305 Commercial Arboriculture (fall sem) 3 cr

Programs and surveys dealing with trees; private tree work. For students interested primarily in arboriculture. Prerequisite: FOREST 232.

310 Community Forestry (spring sem) 3 cr

Management principles of municipal and utility tree care, land use problems, tree laws and ordinances. Prerequisite: FOREST 232.

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 Lab (spring sem) 1 cr

Uses of brick, stone, concrete, wood, and other landscape media are examined.

297M Business Concepts of Landscape Contracting (spring sem) 3 cr

The varied aspects of running a small landscape contracting business.

Landscape Contracting (LANDCONT)

104 Planting Design (spring sem) 3 cr

With lab. 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

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

107 Land Form (fall sem) 4 cr

With lab. 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) explored.

112 Introduction to Landscape Design (fall sem) 4 cr

The landscape media of plants, land forms, structures, and water. Graphic techniques, including modeling, drafting, and plan and cross-section drawings initiated. Examination of built landscape designs in the field and on paper. Landscape Contracting majors only.

198 Cooperative Work Training (spring 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, students employ the landscape media of land, plants, structures, and water to create landscape space. Real situations with local clients designed. Techniques of interviewing, photographing, site analysis, and design explored. Prerequisite: LANDCONT 104.

Mathematics (MATH)

100 Basic Math Skills for the Modern World (both sem) 3 cr

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.

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

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. Prerequisite: MATH 011 or Placement Exam Part A score above 15.

Natural Resources and Environment (NATRES&E)

191F First Year Seminar (fall sem) 1 cr

An overview course designed to provide students with information, opportunities, and skills to ease their transition into college and build a successful foundation necessary to reach their educational goals.

Natural Resources Conservation (NRC)

100 Environment and Society (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.

Plant, Soil and Insect Sciences (PLSOILIN)

101 Insects and Related Forms (spring sem) 2 cr

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

102 Introductory Botany (fall sem) 4 cr

With lab. Structure, function, and reproduction of plants; emphasis on the flowering plants.

103 Plant Science (spring sem) 1.5 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. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 102.

104 Plant Nutrients (spring sem) 1.5 cr

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

105 Soils (fall sem) 4 cr

With lab. Interrelationship of soils and higher plants. Physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Practical approach to current problems through basic soil principles. Prerequisite: some knowledge of chemistry.

107 Turfgrass Insects (spring sem) 2 cr

Principles and practical methods of controlling turf insect pests. Prerequisites: PLSOILIN 101 (may be taken concurrently) and 230.

109 Insects of Ornamentals (fall sem) 3 cr

With lab. 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 101.

111 Horticultural Plant Pathology (spring sem) 2 cr

Applied introduction to plant pathology in horticultural crops. Identification, description, and management of diseases in modern horticultural production. Chemical, biological, cultural, and genetic controls and their integration. Seven-week course. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 102.

112 Lab Plant Pathology-Turf (spring sem) 2 cr

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

113 Plant Pathology Lab-Horticulture (fall sem) 2 cr

A field laboratory on the 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. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 111.

120 Organic Farming and Gardening (both 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.

196 Independent Study (both sem) 1-4 cr

Independent work related to some area dealing with plant and soil sciences. Prerequisites: permission of instructor and program coordinator.

198F Fruit and Vegetable Internship (spring sem) 4 cr

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

 

198G Horticulture Internship (spring sem) 4 cr

Required of all students majoring in Horticulture. Five months (April-August) cooperative work training in the specific field of study. Submission of reports required.

198T Turfgrass Internship (spring sem) 3 cr

Required of all students majoring in Turfgrass Management. Three months (June-August) cooperative work training in the specific field of study. Submission of reports required.

200 Plant Propagation (fall sem) 3 cr

With lab. The basic principles and techniques for propagating plants by both sexual and asexual means, including seeds, cuttings, bulbs, and tissue culture. The hormonal and physiological factors affecting rooting, seed dormancy, grafting, budding, and layering. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 102 or 100-level biology course.

230 Introductory Turfgrass Management (fall sem) 4 cr

With lab. 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, environmental stresses, etc. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 102 and 105 (may be taken concurrently).

232 Turf Machinery (spring sem) 1 cr

Principles of engines and machinery operation, maintenance, selection, and minor repair. Turf equipment emphasized. Instruction on how to train operators of equipment. Budgeting for equipment. Seven-week course; last half of the semester.

234 Irrigation and Drainage (spring sem) 2 cr

With lab. Principles of hydraulics and system design for turf and landscapes with an emphasis on golf courses. Irrigation systems, equipment performance, installation practices, operation procedures and troubleshooting. Drainage of sports turf also included.

235 Pruning Fruit Crops (spring sem) 2 cr

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

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

Calculations involving area and volume measurements, fertilizer and pesticide requirements, cost analysis, seed calculations, irrigation calculations, and calculations relating to spreader and sprayer calibrations. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 230.

255 Herbaceous Plants (spring sem) 3 cr

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

265 Sustainable Agriculture (fall sem) 3 cr

With lab. Exploration of ethical, practical and scientific aspects of agricultural sustainability, including economic, social and environmental impacts of food and farming. Uses systems thinking tools to compare industrial and ecological agriculture.

275 Turfgrass Physiology and Ecology (spring sem) 3 cr

First half of the semester: an introduction to basic concepts in agricultural chemistry as related to the growth and culture of turf grasses. Second half: the overall growth and development of grasses, including such areas as soil fertility and mineral nutrition. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 230 with minimum grade of "C."

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

With lab. 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.

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

With lab. Principles and practices involved in the establishment and management of deciduous orchards. Suggested prerequisite: basic botany course.

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

With lab. Principles and practices governing the establishment and management of small fruit plantings. Suggested prerequisite: basic botany course.

310 Principles of Weed Management (fall sem) 3 cr

With lab. History of weed control; importance of weeds and their relationship to people and the environment; ecology of weeds, competition, persistence and 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 and degradation; application equipment and calibration of sprayers; weed management systems for various crops and non-crop areas. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 102 or 100-level biology course.

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 crop scheduling; field trip to local greenhouses. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 102 (may be taken concurrently).

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 102 and 315.

325 Vegetable Production (spring sem) 4 cr

With lab. Principles of sustainable production of vegetable crops. Topics include specific practices used for the major vegetable crops grown in New England, water and soil fertility management, season extenders, and crop rotation. Course intended for students who want to grow vegetable crops or work in the vegetable industry. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 102.

335 Greenhouse Crop Production II (spring sem) 4 cr

With lab. Greenhouse culture of spring greenhouse crops. 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. Prerequisites: PLSOILIN 230 and 275.

350 Soil and Crop Management (fall sem) 3 cr

With lab. An 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. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 102 or permission of instructor.

370 Tropical Agriculture (spring 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 on productivity; green revolution; desertification; present and future research needs of region, and state of agricultural technology.

397C Community Food Systems (fall sem) 3 cr

With lab. Understanding 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 discussions on various topics related to food access. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

397F Pest Management for Greenhouse Crops (spring sem) 2 cr

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the prevention or suppression of pests (insects, mites, diseases, weeds and algae) by use of multiple management strategies that are effective, economically feasible, and safe for growers, consumers, and the environment. Focus on IPM strategies used in commercial greenhouse crop production. Emphasis on major greenhouse pests, including identification, life cycles, monitoring and management strategies. Seven-week course.

398G Greenhouse Practicum (both sem) 1 cr

Practicum focusing on greenhouse venting and temperature control, maintaining outdoor gardens, harvesting of floricultural crops, post-harvest handling of floricultural crops, fertilization, propagation (by seed, cuttings, division), greenhouse maintenance, operation of greenhouse equipment (fertilizer injector). Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

Resource Economics (RES-ECON)

140 Managing Your Own Business (spring sem) 3 cr

An introduction to small business, with emphasis on the planning function of a manager. Built around the concept of a standard business plan, it covers start-up issues, maintaining competitive advantage, market research, the total product offering, pricing and promotion of the product or service, understanding financial statements and funding sources, hiring, training and supervising employees.

141 Consumer Marketing for Horticulture (spring sem) 2 cr

Theoretical and practical marketing for agricultural crops and services, including overviews of research, plan development and creative positioning; preparation of radio spots, print ads, and press releases. Seven-week course.

142 People in Organizations (spring sem) 3 cr

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

Stockbridge School (STOCKSCH)

170 Pesticide Certification (both sem) 1 cr

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

Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation (W&FCONSV)

261 Wildlife Conservation (spring sem) 3 cr

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