ANTH 3103 - Anthropology of Food

This course introduces students to both theoretical and methodological approaches to the anthropological study of food. Food is never “just food.” Its significance in human culture goes beyond nutrition and sustenance. This class will explore how food mediates social relationships, has an agency of its own, serves as a means for social solidarity, and serves as a vehicle for shaping identity and gender construction. Food in the global political economy and its relationship to human ecology and environmental issues will also be explored. This seminar incorporates a variety of different learning experiences from online discussions to field observations, from research into prehistoric food practices to research into the cultural meanings and history of common items found in our kitchens, and finally, to the preparation and consumption of a potluck meal at the conclusion of the semester. Prerequisite: ANTH 1102, or HIST 1111, or HIST 1112, or permission of the instructor.

Hours:
3