Louisiana Land and Culture course takes a deep dive into Louisiana culture
October 08, 2021
Louisiana may be well known for its colorful culture, unique traditions, and spicy cuisine, but the history behind its beloved customs is often untold and many students graduate from LSU without learning about the state.
The LSU College of Agriculture offered Louisiana Land and Culture as a course elective in spring 2021 to connect students to the state. The course was taught by LSU College of Agriculture staff, Henry Hebert and Brandon Guillory.
“Mr. Guillory and I were thrilled to offer this course to our first-year students in the college, especially in an in-person format,” said Hebert. “Our goal was to develop cultural ambassadors for Louisiana who would leave this course with an understanding and appreciation for all aspects our diverse and unique state.”
The course takes a deep dive into the lands of Louisiana and its peoples’ heritage, along with exposing students to the wide range of agricultural commodities grown within the state. The course curriculum was guided by the book “The Louisiana Field Guide: Understanding Life in the Pelican State.”
Louisiana Field Guide was written and edited by LSU faculty, who rediscover the state’s shared history and cultural patchwork that has been absorbed into its popular culture. Authors cover the topics of Louisiana geography, history, politics, religion, language, music and film, architecture, cuisine, and art that shape Louisiana.
Guest lecturers attended the class throughout the semester, many of which were contributors to the textbook. In addition to reading the Louisiana Field Guide, students also participated in tours of historical sites and educational exhibits around Baton Rouge, including LSU Rural Life Museum, Old Louisiana State Capitol, LSU Center for River Studies, and Louisiana Arts and Sciences Museum.
The elective was offered to first-year students as a way for both in-state and out-of-state students to discover and draw a deeper connection to Louisiana. Lillian Dickson is a renewable natural resources major from out-of-state, being enrolled in the course has broadened her knowledge of Louisiana’s agricultural production and practices.
“I’m from Illinois, and all I knew about Louisiana that they had Mardi Gras and crawfish boils,” said Lillian. “We took an in-depth look at the state’s agriculture and the state addresses issues, like bug infestations in their crops. I used to think that there was just sugar cane in Louisiana, but now I know a lot more about other types of agriculture.”