Course Syllabus
Graduate Level Special Topics in Viticulture and Enology
VIT_ENOL 501
Fall 2025
Number of Credit Hours | 1 - 4 Credits
Prerequisites | Graduate standing
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
Course Description
May be repeatable for credit; cumulative maximum 4 credits. This course is designed to delve deeply into emerging trends, advanced topics, and specialized areas of interest in viticulture and enology. The content will vary each semester, focusing on cutting-edge research, industry innovations, and the application of scientific principles to improve grape and wine production. Topics will be chosen based on student interest, faculty expertise, and industry relevance, ensuring that students are exposed to contemporary challenges and solutions in the field. Conjoint with VIT_ENOL 401.
Course Materials
The materials for this course will be curated in the semester this course is offered based on the specific topics selected and the emerging trends within viticulture and enology.
|
Course Learning Outcomes (students will be able to:) |
Activities for and Assessment of the Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| CLO1. Analyze and evaluate contemporary issues in viticulture and enology. |
Reflection Discussion Boards Mid-Semester Project Impact Report |
| CLO2. Apply advanced scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems in grape growing and winemaking |
Mid-Semester Project Impact Report Written Report |
| CLO3. Engage with industry leaders and research experts to broaden understanding of current practices and future innovations. |
Reflection Discussion Boards |
| CLO4. Develop critical thinking and communication skills through class discussions, presentations, and/or projects. |
Mid-Semester Project Impact Report Written Report |
| CLO5. Integrate experiential learning through industry engagement when applicable. |
Reflection Discussion Boards Mid-Semester Project Impact Report Written Report |
| Dates | Lesson Topic | Assignment/Assessment |
|---|---|---|
|
Week 1 |
Welcome and Course Overview | |
| Week 2 - 4 [dates] |
Introduction of Topic Industry Response to Emerging Issues |
Discussion Board 1 (CLO1) Discussion Board 2 (CLO1, CLO2) |
| Week 5 - 8 [dates] |
Assessment of the Area of Interest Exploratory Responses and Initial Efforts in Addressing the Challenge |
Discussion Board 3 (CLO2, CLO3) |
| Week 9 - 12 [dates] |
Scientific Solutions to Complex Problems |
Discussion Board 4 (CLO 3, CLO4) Mid-Semester Impact Report (CLO1, CLO2, CLO4) |
| Week 13 - 15 [dates] |
Outlook for Future Similar Challenges |
Discussion Board 5 (CLO5) Written Report (CLO1, CLO2, CLO4) |
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
| Type of Assignment (tests, papers, etc) | Points | Percent of Overall Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Reflection Discussion Boards (10 points each) | 50 | 25% |
| Mid-Semester Project Impact Report | 70 | 35% |
| Written Report | 80 | 40% |
| 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 a total of 60 points (10 points per submission). 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.
MID-SEMESTER IMPACT REPORT. The Mid-Semester Impact Report will be worth 70 points in total. For your mid-semester project, you will submit an Impact Report that explores how your graduate research topic is poised to influence the broader grape and wine industry. This assignment is designed to allow you to critically analyze the potential applications and significance of your work, linking theoretical knowledge to practical industry outcomes. The goal is for you to demonstrate not only your understanding of the technical aspects of your research but also its relevance to key issues and trends within viticulture and enology.
Your Impact Report should be approximately 4-6 pages (not including references), double-spaced, and written in a formal academic style. First, in the Introduction (20 points), you will briefly introduce your research topic and explain its importance, providing background context on the issue or question your research addresses. Next, in the Industry Relevance section (15 points), you will explain how your research connects to the current needs, challenges, or trends in the grape and wine industry. Be specific about the segment of the industry that will be most affected, whether vineyard management, winemaking, or another area. In the Potential Impact section (20 points), you will discuss the practical implications of your research, exploring how it could influence vineyard or winery operations, lead to new technologies or practices, or impact industry regulations. Additionally, you should highlight any long-term effects, such as promoting sustainability, economic viability, or social equity within the industry. Following this, in the Challenges and Limitations section (10 points), you will identify any potential barriers to implementing your findings in the industry and suggest solutions or future research directions to address these limitations. Finally, in the Conclusion (5 points), summarize your key findings and restate the potential impact of your research, reflecting on its broader significance for the future of the grape and wine industry.
WRITTEN REPORT. The Written Report will be worth 80 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.