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Home > Featured Stories > Community of Scholars > April 2009 > Six Reasons to Go to Class > Insects & PeopleENT201 - Insects and People
Learn about the world of insects the many ways they affect us and our surroundings.
The Scoop: In this course originally designed by emeritus professor Ronald Kuhr, Sorenson leads students on a walking tour through the world of insects that begins with lessons on insect evolution and ends with discussions on the use of insects in literature, art and film. Along the way, they learn about the profound impact that insects have on our everyday lives, for better and for worse.
Interesting Assignment: For the"Bug-in-a-Dish Experiment," Sorenson provides students with live insects to take home and raise over the course of several weeks. The students record daily observations of the size, behavior, health, appearance and identity of the insects as they grow, and impose various treatments on them as an introduction to the experimental method.
//Instructor
Clyde Sorenson
Dr. Sorenson is a professor at NC State, concentrating on field crops entomology.
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//Pack a Lunch
Sorenson brings insect-laced snacks for the class to try. "Hush grubbies," for example, are perfect for those who love both hush puppies and meal worms but never thought of combining them; roasted baby crickets give "rice critter treats" an appealing crunch traditional Rice Krispie treats lack; and "chocolate-covered cricket clusters" — well, the name speaks for itself. Take heart: Students don't have to try them. But they usually do.
//From the Course Catalog
ENT 201 Insects and People
UNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
Introduction to the fascinating world of insects and how they interact with people. Survey of insect history, diversity, structure and function, and behavior. Examples of harmful and beneficial insects in a variety of human activities concluding with some profound impacts insects have had on history, society and culture.