Course Syllabus
Seminar in Viticulture and Enology
VIT_ENOL 590
Spring 2026
Number of Credit Hours | 1 Credit
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
Graduate level seminar course dedicated to current topics in viticulture and enology. The course has been designed to enhance student educational pathways and career goals. Repeatable credit up to 2 units.
Course Materials
Current topics articles and journal publications will be assigned as appropriate.
|
Course Learning Outcomes (students will be able to:) |
Activities Supporting and Assessment of the Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| CLO 1. Evaluate current challenges facing the grape and wine industry, especially as it relates to impact on both local and global scales. |
Reflections Case Study Analysis |
| CLO 2. Critique recent research and methodologies for solving key problems in viticulture and enology, with a focus on the effectiveness and applicability of various solutions. |
Reflections Case Study Analysis |
| CLO 3. Assess emerging techniques and technologies in grape and wine production, determining their potential to address current and future industry-wide challenges. |
Reflections Case Study Analysis |
| CLO 4. Identify strategies for overcoming critical issues in viticulture and enology, integrating scientific research with practical industry needs. |
Reflections Case Study Analysis |
| Dates | Lesson Topic | Assignment and/or Assessment |
|---|---|---|
|
Week 1 |
Welcome and Course Overview Defining Critical Topis in Viticulture and Enology |
|
| Week 2 [dates] |
Industry Panel | Climate Change Implications for the Grape and Wine Industry | |
| Week 3 [dates] |
Water Use, Availability and Conservation |
Reflection 1 | Climate Change (CLO1, CLO3) |
| Week 4 [dates] |
The Grape Nursery Industry | |
| Week 5 [dates] |
Emerging Pest and Diseases |
|
| Week 6 [dates] |
Clean Plant Material | Understanding, Sourcing and Maintaining | Reflection 2 | Sourcing Plant Material Responsibly (CLO1, CO3) |
| Week 7 [dates] |
Industry Panel | Labor Shortages in Vineyards and Wineries | |
| Week 8 [dates] |
Technology and Mechanization | Case Study Analysis | Topic and Outline Due |
| Week 9 [dates] |
Defining Sustainability in Viticulture and Enology | |
| Week 10 [dates] |
Sustainable Certification | Options, Costs, Challenges | Reflection 3 | Defining a Resilient Grape and Wine Industry through Sustainable Practices (CLO1, CLO3) |
| Week 11 [dates] |
Reaching the Consumer | Branding, Marketing and Sales | |
| Week 12 [dates] |
Wine Law and Compliance |
Reflection 4 | Reaching the Consumer (CLO1, CLO3) |
| Week 13 [dates] |
Industry Panel | Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Viticulture and Enology | |
| Week 14 [dates] |
Careers in Viticulture and Enology | Reflection 5 | Advancing DEI and Career Paths in VE (CLO1, CLO3) |
| Week 15 [dates] |
Life-long Engagement | Resources for Continuing Education and Learning | Case Study Analysis (CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, 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 [add more lines if necessary]
| Type of Assignment (tests, papers, etc) | Points | Percent of Overall Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Reflections | 100 | 33% |
| Case Study Analysis | 50 | 16.67% |
| Participation | 150 | 50% |
| 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 are with 100 total points. Reflections are designed to add significance to the student experience in this class. When reflecting on a speaker or 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 address one or several of the following questions:
- How and why is this topic important to the success of this industry moving forward?
- What do you see as the biggest challenges on the horizon in this area as it relates to the industry?
- How might we as an industry address these issues in a collective and meaningful way and what has already been done?
Grades will be 80% based on your critical reflection of the topic at hand and 20% on mechanics.
PARTICIPATION. Participation is worth 150 total points, 10 points per week of the semester. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions, offering thoughtful contributions that demonstrate their understanding of the seminar topics.
CASE STUDY ANALYSIS. The Case Study is worth 50 points. Students will select a current challenge facing the grape or wine industry and conduct a case study analysis. This will include a literature review of relevant research, a critique of methodologies used to address the issue, and an assessment of new or emerging techniques that could offer solutions. Students will present their findings in both a written report (4-6 pages). This assignment helps students apply course concepts to real-world issues, develop research and analytical skills, and propose innovative solutions.
Attendance and Make-Up Policy
Attendance and active participation at each seminar session is mandatory for all students enrolled. Students are expected to thoughtfully engage with invited speakers when appropriate. Late submissions for reflections, the critique and the report 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 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.