Gastronomy and Society: An Anthropological Perspective
( 24 Modules )
Module #1 Introduction to Gastronomy and Anthropology Exploring the intersection of food and culture, and the anthropological perspective on gastronomy
Module #2 Defining Gastronomy:Historical and Cultural Contexts Tracing the evolution of gastronomy as a concept, from ancient civilizations to modern times
Module #3 Food as Culture:Symbolism, Meaning, and Identity Analyzing food as a symbol, a reflection of cultural values, and a marker of identity
Module #4 The Anthropology of Taste:Biology, Culture, and Power Examining the biology and psychology of taste, and how cultural and social factors shape our preferences
Module #5 Food and Power:Politics, Economy, and Social Hierarchy Investigating how food production, distribution, and consumption reflect and shape power dynamics
Module #6 Culinary Globalization:The Impact of Colonialism and Migration Exploring the effects of colonialism, migration, and globalization on food systems and cuisines
Module #7 Food and Identity:Nationalism, Ethnicity, and Belonging Analyzing how food reflects and shapes national, ethnic, and cultural identities
Module #8 Food and Gender:Social Roles, Power, and Performance Examining the relationships between food, gender, and social roles, and the ways in which food is used to perform gender
Module #9 Food and Class:Social Stratification, Inequality, and Distinction Investigating how food reflects and shapes social class, status, and distinction
Module #10 Food and the Senses:The Anthropology of Perception Exploring the sensory experiences of eating and how culture shapes our perceptions of flavor, texture, and aroma
Module #11 Food and Emotion:Nostalgia, Memory, and Affect Analyzing the emotional connections we make with food, and the role of nostalgia and memory in shaping our relationships with food
Module #12 Food and Performance:Ritual, Festival, and Spectacle Examining the role of food in rituals, festivals, and spectacles, and the ways in which food is used to create community and meaning
Module #13 Food and the Environment:Sustainability, Justice, and Ethics Investigating the environmental impacts of food systems, and the social and ethical implications of food production and consumption
Module #14 Food and Health:Nutrition, Medicine, and Well-being Analyzing the relationships between food, health, and well-being, and the cultural and social factors that influence our understanding of nutrition and medicine
Module #15 Food and Media:Representation, Imagery, and Discourse Examining the ways in which food is represented in media, and the role of food in shaping cultural narratives and discourses
Module #16 Food and Social Movements:Activism, Politics, and Change Investigating the ways in which food is used as a tool for social change, activism, and political mobilization
Module #17 Food and the City:Urban Food Systems, Markets, and Spaces Analyzing the complex relationships between food, urbanization, and urban spaces
Module #18 Food and the Rural:Agriculture, Land, and Community Examining the relationships between food, agriculture, land, and rural communities
Module #19 Food and Migration:Diaspora, Identity, and Cultural Exchange Exploring the ways in which food reflects and shapes the experiences of migrants, and the cultural exchanges that occur through food
Module #20 Food and Memory:Oral History, Family, and Heritage Analyzing the role of food in shaping family histories, cultural heritage, and collective memory
Module #21 Food and Material Culture:Objects, Technology, and Innovation Examining the relationships between food, material culture, and technology, and the ways in which objects shape our relationships with food
Module #22 Food and the Digital:Online Culture, Communities, and Economies Investigating the ways in which digital technologies are changing the way we produce, consume, and interact with food
Module #23 Food and the Future:Sustainability, Innovation, and Change Exploring the future of food systems, and the ways in which innovation, policy, and activism can shape a more sustainable and equitable food future
Module #24 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Gastronomy and Society: An Anthropological Perspective career
