The Anthropology of Nutrition

3 Units

This course examines human nutrition from an anthropological perspective. We will first briefly cover methods for assessing and evaluating dietary intake and dietary patterns. The remainder of the course will focus on various social, ecological, and genetic factors which influence human nutritional patterns, with a focus on cultural variability. We will also cover the causes and consequences of protein-energy malnutrition and obesity, again with a focus on individual and population variability. The course will be taught in a seminar format and is designed to enhance your skills in critically reading the anthropological and nutrition literatures and in improving your written and oral communication skills. Counts as a Disciplinary Communication course.