Bruce James

Bruce James received a BA in chemistry and environmental studies from Williams, followed by MS and PhD degrees in soil science from UVM. During these studies, he developed a keen interest in interdisciplinary learning related to the course topic that he used in his teaching at the University of Maryland, College Park, for 29 years. Now retired, he continues to thrive on new learning and ideas related to sustainability, environmental science, soils, environmental history, and agriculture.

Bread and Soil in Ancient Rome (Spring Term 2024)

Participant Testimonials:

Very well prepared--nicely organized, presented and easily comprehended.

A nice feature was that in the beginning of each class, Bruce asked relevant non-threatening questions to find out if the students got the essence of the previous class.

 The Global Water Paradox: Scarcity Amid Abundance (Winter Term 2024)

Participant Testimonials:

The flow of the course was well thought out. Starting with the science of water helped lay the foundation to understanding the rest of the class.

The reading were supportive. Bruce also sent links to current news articles which were so relevant

The Roots of Civilization in Soil and Water (Fall Term 2023) 

Participant Testimonials:

The discussions were well managed and instructive. Everyone got the opportunity to share.

Bruce connected comments to his own and allowed folks to have as long a say as they wanted.

The Global Water Paradox: Scarcity Amid Abundance (Winter Term 2022)

Participant Testimonials:

 Lots of energy and engagement, plus a wry north country style.

Great course and great presentation by Bruce.

The Roots of Civilization in Soils: Land, Water & Society (Spring Term 2021)

Participant Testimonials:

 Bruce was very well prepared for each class. Plus he showed that he really cared about the subject.

Extremely well prepared

Bread and Soil in Ancient Rome: Environmental Challenge and Cultural Response (Winter Term 2020)

Participant Testimonials:

 Bruce has a wide interdisciplinary range of knowledge and interests that he effectively wove into his presentations and the discussions.

As a student of anthropology and culture, I appreciated having a course that saw civilization from a different perspective, that of its land use and economy.

Rooting Civilization in the Soil: Peril and Promise (Winter Term 2019)

Participant Testimonials:

This was among the very best courses I've taken at Osher. Bruce is well informed and had put a lot of effort into preparation, but was willing to allow the discussion to follow its course, so it made for a fun, informative, thoughtful class.

Bruce James is a seasoned professor and was an excellent study leader. I appreciated how he effortlessly wove together history, soil science, ancient agricultral practices and climatology into such fascinating presentations.