The Goals and Realization of ‘Socio-Horticulture’ as a University Character Education

Abstract

This study aims to explore the potential of a new university character education model for today's college students who are seeking an immediate transition to an ecological civilization in various aspects of their daily lives. To achieve this, it examines the background, development process, operational methods, and key educational content of the course “SHARE Community Gardening” at E-University, which is based on the concept of “socio-horticulture.” In doing so, it will not only highlight the distinctions between this course and E-University's precursor course, “SHARE Leadership,” but also differentiate it from urban agriculture courses offered at other universities. Furthermore, the study intends to provide a detailed description and analysis of the course development process, including the establishment of farming spaces and facilities, urban agriculture training for instructors, and the identification of learner needs. Additionally, it will describe the assessment methods and operational support system for the course, and introduce a curriculum for “socio-horticulture” education suitable for the four seasons in Korea. Ultimately, this research seeks to evaluate the significance and value of “socio-horticulture” as a component of university character education.