The Perennial Turn The work of repairing Earth—response-ably attending to life-nourishing human and more-than-human interrelationships—starts at scales of self and community. Power dynamics, thoughtways, humans, and planet Earth changed dramatically when our ancestors began annually disrupting soil ecosystems and storing surplus food. We explore and engage in notions of perennial thinking and action through readings, direct experience, and work with local partners at the forefront of the perennial turn. Combining ancient and contemporary knowledges in sciences, philosophies, spiritualities, and more, we investigate thinking more like a prairie than a plow. How might developing a perennial orientation toward the world help us regrow deep roots and craft ways that align with current understandings of Universe, Earth, and life?

Science of Environmental Systems We will utilize a systems approach to study selected environmental topics as we learn how to integrate scientific principles of biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. We will also explore intentionally interdisciplinary approaches such as socioecological and regenerative systems frameworks. In lecture, we will take a more global approach as we examine climate change, water, energy, biodiversity, ecosystem services, pollution, and agriculture. We will discover emerging knowledge that is shaping potential solutions and learn how to evaluate such efforts through a systems science lens. In the lab units, we will investigate local manifestations of human-environment relationships through experiential, hands-on, embodied approaches.

Marc Lapin

Reviews and ratings for Marc Lapin at Middlebury College.Marc Lapin teaches The Perennial Turn, Science Environmental Systems and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Marc Lapin good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Perennial turn is one of the best classes I have taken at midd. I am an econ major/athlete and Marc and Bill are the goats. Class is once a week and I think we went on 5-6 field trips. We would usually go to an environmental or agricultural spot and speak with the owners about their thoughts. Highlight of my week. 

I absolutely loved this course, one of my favorite I've taken at Middlebury. Bill and Marc have such enthusiasm for the material and this course has helped me learn so much about my personal passions for writing. I recommend to everyone!

This was probably my favorite course I've taken at Midd. Some may see it as a bit "out there," but I found that it completely changed how I conceptualize the world around me and go about relating myself to the world/others. This class isn't very difficult; it just requires you to be willing to put yourself out there to do some unlearning. 