The Social and Political Life of Food

This course introduces students to sociological theory and methods through studying the production, distribution, and consumption of food. We will examine the forces that shape the global and national food systems, and will treat Rhode Island as a laboratory for answering pressing questions about how food systems work: How is food is produced and who does the production? How is food distributed, and who wins and loses in the distribution? Finally, what social, political, cultural and economic forces help explain our eating choices? This seminar course will feature creative assignments, guest speakers, and a fieldtrip to a local farm.