Are We What We Eat? An Inter-disciplinary Introduction to the Study of Food: course description
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Andrew Monnickendam, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
This course provides an introduction to the study of food in the modern age. It begins with a study of some essential philosophical and anthropological texts, continues with a debate on cooking and gender, then concludes with the “F” words that dominate the contemporary world. This course is inter-disciplinary and is designed, through its readings, to be suitable for anyone with an open mind. There are no preliminary course requirements.
The bibliography contains many books for reference and consultation.
Objectives 1. To provide a scientific background to the study of food for students who, although are all consumers, have probably never stopped to think seriously about the subject.
2. To demonstrate that the study of food involves, as much as any other phenomenon, philosophy, gender, nationality and globalisation.
3. To foster, through the class project, the development of truly independent research.
4. To encourage inter-disciplinary thinking.
Teaching method Students are expected to have read the prescribed texts before class. Reading material will be provided in a Xeroxed dossier, with the exception of Blixen’s “Babette’s Feast,” which you must obtain otherwise. The class itself consists of a brief introduction by the instructor who will point out the major points of interest and topics for discussion, discussion being the major pedagogical tool. The student will be encouraged to apply what has been read to his/her own experience and environment. Consequently, independent critical thinking is enhanced. The use of the VIU blog will become an essential part of fostering debate.
