This class presents an integrated approach to the study of the relationships among food, culture and biology. Human nutritional requirements are part of our biological inheritance. Cultural considerations, however, shape our diet both in terms of what we define as food and how much of it we eat, and may even supersede biological needs. For humans, eating is not a simple biological act; food and nutritional status are influenced by demography, habitat, social traditions, religious beliefs, gender roles, status and aesthetics, among other factors. Consequently a large part of the course menu is devoted to analyses of the social, environmental, and symbolic aspects of food.

The course has an evolutionary perspective which will be addressed in several ways. First, human biology will be used as an organizing principle. Second, we will focus on a consideration of food systems through focusing on the transformations in the relationship of humans with food and food production practices. The course is also comparative in its approach. Although we will rely heavily on a core of information we will amplify this through discussion of our own personal experiences and comparisons with information from other food systems and other peoples experiences.

The class will be divided into four major sections. The first will discuss the biocultural framework where evolutionary, biological and cultural components of nutritional requirements and dietary patterns are integrated. In the second section we will discuss the characteristics of human food systems, food procurement systems and the world wide distribution of cultigens. Third, we will discuss the symbolic roles of food This section will emphasize the subject of food classification systems, the symbolic use of food, and the use of food in social settings. We will examine how symbolic statements are constructed from food, by whom, and what effect these have on group members and outsiders. We will also look at how gender roles and relations are structured around food. The final section of the class will focus on social, political and economic issues.

OBJECTIVES:

 

*If you have a documented disability and anticipate needing accommodation in this course please contact me during the first two weeks of class. Please also contact Ms. Hilary Gerdes, Counselor for Students With Disabilities(6-3211) for assistance and request a letter be sent verifying your needs.

COURSE READING MATERIAL:

1. Packet: Available at UO Bookstore

2 Texts: Available at Mother Kali's Bookstore

a. Beardsworth, A. And T. Keil 1997Sociology on the Menu. Routledge:N.Y.

b. Kahn, M. 1986/1994 Always Hungry, Never Greedy. Waveland Press.

c. Levenstein, H. 1993 Paradox of Plenty. Oxford University Press

Class format and Philosophy: 

This is a four credit course and is not a lecture class. The organization and format of this course reflects my commitment to "co-responsible inquiry" and cooperative learning. Our mutual participation in the class represents a collaboration between us. We will work together to gain an understanding of the course material, prepare assignments and present material. The predominate mode of learning in the class will revolve around small-group discussion and team learning activities through the: 1) formation of permanent work groups; 2) grading based on a combination of individual performance; group performance, and peer evaluation. Much of our class time will be spent in small group activities. We will use a multi-step activity sequence which will be repeated four times throughout the quarter (coinciding with the four divisions of the course material).

The packet material contains background material which will facilitate your endeavors in the class. It will be essential for you to keep up with the readings and assignments and come to class prepared to participate in discussions and activities. Class participation is very important since it enhances learning and communication of knowledge. In addition to attendance and class participation you will be required to complete assignments during the quarter. The explanation of the assignments and due dates are indicated in the Mini Project Packet. Assignments should be typewritten, double spaced, and include appropriate citations.

Course Evaluation: