SOC 321 Food, Culture, and Society
This course introduces and explores the sociological perspective through the study of food. While eating is a biological necessity and often a social activity, the meanings of food are embedded in larger socio-cultural contexts. Food is connected to individual and cultural identities, structures of power and inequality, and activism and social justice. Students will examine the social forces and social relations surrounding food, and the links between food and bodies. Lecture, discussion, multimedia materials, and a variety of readings are used to study the complex connections between food, culture, and society.
Prerequisites
4 Undergraduate credits
Effective May 2, 2018 to present
Meets graduation requirements for
Learning outcomes
General
- Comprehends and applies sociological concepts, theories, and processes to the study of food.
- Examines and appreciates how culture, gender, race, ethnicity, and class influence food-related practices and behaviors.
- Applies course materials to one¿s own experiences with food socialization.
- Interprets and evaluates contemporary social issues in relation to food.
- Writes analytical papers that are informed, well reasoned, and literate at an upper division college level.
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum
Goal 5: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
- Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
- Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
- Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.
Goal 7: Human Diversity
- Understand the development of and the changing meanings of group identities in the United States' history and culture.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society.
- Analyze their own attitudes, behaviors, concepts and beliefs regarding diversity, racism, and bigotry.
- Describe and discuss the experience and contributions (political, social, economic, etc.) of the many groups that shape American society and culture, in particular those groups that have suffered discrimination and exclusion.
- Demonstrate communication skills necessary for living and working effectively in a society with great population diversity.
Fall 2024
| Section | Title | Instructor | books | eservices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | Food, Culture, and Society | Enke, Janet Lynne | Books for SOC-321-50 Fall 2024 | Course details for SOC-321-50 Fall 2024 |
Spring 2025
| Section | Title | Instructor | books | eservices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | Food, Culture, and Society | Enke, Janet Lynne | Books for SOC-321-50 Spring 2025 | Course details for SOC-321-50 Spring 2025 |