Course Description:

In every culture food lies at the center of a complex value system that involves religious beliefs and rituals, social hierarchies, and gender distinctions. Food is the central table groups together, and it also separates individuals according to age, wealth, status, and gender. Both natural product and social construction, food should be "read" in specific cultural contexts. It is the purpose of this course to introduce students to the wider fields of cultural meanings of food and to explore the intersections of religious, ethical, and political issues that address the uses of food. In this course, students will be engaged in forms of food production on the animals we raise and eat, on our environment, and its effects on our own bodies. Included as part of our journey through food cultures and production are guest lectures and a possible field trip to the UC Davis Student Farm and/or local organic farm.+

Course Registration Info:

• CRN(s): 45749, 45750, 45751, 45752
• T/TH 3:10–4:30PM
• Professor Lynda Dhanani