CUL 112 - Introduction to Food Studies

Course Description

This multidisciplinary survey course offers students an introduction to fundamental concepts in food studies. Through lecture, discussion and case studies, local, national and global examples are employed to study the social, political, economic and environmental aspects of traditional and alternative food systems and their integrated components, including agriculture, sustainability theory and practice, community resiliency, foodways and food and agriculture policies. Throughout the course, career pathways in the food sector and academic areas of study related to food studies are identified. Group 2 course.

Credit Hours

3

Contact Hours

3

Lecture Hours

3

Required Prerequisites

Placement into MTH 23 or higher and English 111+11 or higher

General Education Outcomes supported by this course

Communications - Direct

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:
  • Identify key concepts associated with traditional and alternative food systems.
  • Define key concepts, terms and relationships distinct to food studies.
  • Identify multidisciplinary (social and environmental science) aspects of the study of food.
Application:
  • Identify and interpret local foodways.
  • Analyze principles/practices associated with food sustainability and community resilience.
  • Assess differences between and advantages of traditional and alternative food systems.
  • Develop a position on public policy affecting an identified food system or issue.
  • Identify the regional role of food tourism.
Integration:
  • Connect the course content to various career pathways in the food industry and in food studies.
  • Compare the role of the consumer in traditional and alternative food systems.
  • Correlate environmental imperatives associated with the production and consumption of food in traditional and alternative food systems.
Human Dimension:
  • Critically reflect upon the relationship between access to healthy, affordable food to public health issues.
  • Be aware of basic principles associated with building community resilience.
Caring - Civic Learning:
  • Understand connections between sustainable food practices and environmental sustainability.
  • Understand the role of sustainable food systems in building resilient communities.
  • Connect the role of agriculture and value added agriculture in the regional economy.
Learning How to Learn:
  • Construct knowledge about various communication strategies used in the food industry.
  • Identify and apply basic research techniques associated with food writing and studies.