VIT_ENOL-401-jdodson.peterson-2024-09-05-10-00-55

Special Topics in Viticulture and Enology

VIT_ENOL 401

Semester | Spring 2025

Credit Hours | 1 - 4 Credits

Prerequisites | None

Course Details

Day and Time: [tbd]

Meeting Location: [tbd]

 

Instructor Contact Information

Dr. Jean Dodson Peterson

Department of Viticulture and Enology

Ste. Michelle WSU Wine Science Center

Office Number 248E

359 University Drive

Richland, WA 99354

(509) 372 7518

jdodson.peterson@wsu.edu

Course Description

May be repeatable for credit; cumulative maximum 4 credits. Assessment and evaluation of special topics in viticulture and enology.

 

Example Course Materials 

Required.

  1. Campbell, C. 2006. The Botanist and the Vintner: How Wine Was Saved for the World. Algonquin Books Publishing. ISBN: 978-1565125285. Available on Amazon ($14).

Example Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

Course Learning Outcomes

(students will be able to:)

Activities Supporting/Assessment of the Learning Outcomes

CLO 1. Analyze the economic and social impact of the Phylloxera epidemic on global wine industries and local communities during the 19th

Group Discussion

Reflections

Written Report

CLO 2. Evaluate different historical and modern approaches to controlling Phylloxera and compare their effectiveness in different regions.

Group Discussion

Reflections

Written Report

CLO 3. Formulate an integrated vineyard management plan that addresses the threat of Phylloxera, combining contemporary scientific and sustainable practices.

 

Group Discussion

Reflections

Written Report

CLO 4. Apply lessons learned from the Phylloxera epidemic to develop strategies for managing emerging threats in viticulture.

Group Discussion

Reflections

Written Report


Course Schedule

[Please note that a WSU semester is 15 weeks + Thanksgiving/Spring Break. The schedule below does not include the break.]

Dates Example Lesson Topic Assignment/Assessment

Week 1
[dates]

Welcome and Course Overview

Week 2 - 4
[dates]
Phylloxera | Denial

 

Industry Response to Emerging Issues 
  

The Botanist and The Vintner | Part One Denial

 

Discussion Board 1 | Phylloxera Changed the World-Wide Industry 1880s – 1910s (CLO1)

 

Discussion Board 2 | Economic Impact of the Wine Industry’s Collapse (CLO1, CLO2)
Week 5 - 8
[dates]
   

Phylloxera | Anger

 

Exploratory Responses and Initial Efforts in Addressing Emerging Issues 
  

The Botanist and The Vintner | Part Two Anger

 

Discussion Board 3 | Lessons from the Past - Responsible Viticulture (CLO1, CLO2, CLO3)
Week 9 - 12
[dates]
   

Phylloxera | Acceptance

 

Scientific Solutions to Complex Problems 
 

The Botanist and The Vintner | Part Three Acceptance

 

Discussion Board 4 | Toad Venom, Exorcism and Rootstocks - Finding a Solution (CLO1, CLO2, CLO3)
Week 13 - 15
[dates]
 

Lessons From Phylloxera Moving Forward for Washington

 

Grafting As A Solution for Washington | Pros and Cons

 

Red Blotch as A New Case Study 

Discussion Board 5 | History Repeats - Red Blotch (CLO4)

 

Written Report | WA, Phylloxera, and the Future of the Industry (CLO1, CLO2, CLO3)

 

Expectations for Student Effort 

Policies and expectations for this course have been created such that a productive and welcoming course community exists for all students and guests. If at any time, you have concerns, please bring them to the instructor’s attention. Everyone is responsible for creating a positive learning environment. Please refrain from conducting yourself in a manner that is disruptive to teaching or learning.

 

WSU email is considered the official form of communication and emails from non-university accounts will not be answered. Relevant course information will periodically be sent to the entire class via official university email addresses. Please be sure to check your inbox on a regular basis. Announcements will be made at the beginning of lecture periods and through the course learning management site. It is the responsibility of the student to stay up to date on all course materials, announcements and schedule changes.

 

Grading [add more lines if necessary]

Assignment Breakdown
Type of Assignment (tests, papers, etc) Points Percent of Overall Grade
Reflection Discussion Boards 100 Total (20 points each) 50%
Written Report 100 Total Points 50%
TOTAL  200 Points 100%

 

Grading Schema
Grade Percent Grade Percent
A

≥93.0

C 73.0 – 76.9
A-  90.0 – 92.9 C- 70.0 – 72.9
B+ 87.0 – 89.9 D+ 67.0 – 69.9
B

83.0 – 86.9

D 60.0 – 66.9
B- 80.0 – 82.9 F ≤59.9
C+ 77.0 – 79.9  

 

 

REFLECTIONS. Reflections will be worth 100 points in total (5 worth 20 points each). Reflections are designed to add significance to the student experience in this class. When reflecting on a topic, you should reassess the way you think about the topic as well as your own orientation for action in this area. This is designed to give meaning to the experiences shared and enhance the transfer of knowledge.  Essentially, reflections serve as the metacognitive process to evaluate and improve. Each reflection should be 500-words that addresses the questions presented on CANVAS. Grades will be based 60% on your critical reflection and 40% on your response to other peer postings.

 

WRITTEN REPORT. The Written Report will be worth 100 points in total.  The report will consist of a detailed look back at the phylloxera epidemic, the impact it had on the greater wine and grape industry and examine the reasons for which Washington has, up until recently, been insulated from the effects of phylloxera. Students should also discuss the future of Washington grape growing in the context of the detection and current spread of phylloxera within the state. Reports should be 4 – 6 pages in length, have appropriate citations to the literature and provide a comprehensive review of the state of the industry at it relates to this topic. Mechanics will be 40% of the grade, content and critical thought 60%.

Attendance and Make-Up Policy 

Attendance and active participation at each lecture session is mandatory for all students enrolled. Students are expected to thoughtfully engage with peers and the instructor. Late submissions for reflections will not be accepted.

 


Academic Integrity Statement

Academic integrity is the cornerstone of higher education. As such, all members of the university community share responsibility for maintaining and promoting the principles of integrity in all activities, including academic integrity and honest scholarship. Academic integrity will be strongly enforced in this course. Students who violate WSU’s Academic Integrity Policy (identified in Washington Administrative Code WAC 504-26-010 (4) will receive [insert academic sanction (e.g., fail the course, fail the assignment, etc.)], will not have the option to withdraw from the course pending an appeal, and will be reported to the Center for Community Standards. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism and unauthorized collaboration as defined in the Standards of Conduct for Students, WAC 504-26-010 (3). You need to read and understand all of the definitions of cheating.  If you have any questions about what is and is not allowed in this course, you should ask course instructors before proceeding. If you wish to appeal to a faculty member's decision relating to academic integrity, please use this form. Make sure you submit your appeal within 21 calendar days of the faculty member's decision.