Alimentación y Sociedad

Food and Society

Course Description

"Alimentación y Sociedad" (Food and Society) is an enlightening and thought-provoking course offered by URosarioX that delves into the complex relationships between food, society, culture, and individual choices. This introductory-level course, taught in Spanish, explores how our daily food consumption is influenced by a myriad of economic, social, cultural, and political factors that often go unnoticed.

Throughout this course, students will embark on a fascinating journey that uncovers the hidden layers behind our food choices and preferences. By examining the historical, social, economic, and political processes that have shaped our current food systems, learners will gain a deeper understanding of how our eating habits reflect our place in the world and the society we live in.

What students will learn:

  • Develop a critical perspective on food perception and representation
  • Understand the historical evolution of eating habits and social changes
  • Analyze the intricate relationships between culture and food
  • Identify the impact of industrialization on food production and consumption
  • Reflect on globalization and social media's influence on eating habits
  • Gain tools for making conscious and informed food choices

Prerequisites:

This course has no specific prerequisites and is designed for anyone interested in exploring the connections between food and society. A basic understanding of Spanish is necessary, as the course is taught in this language.

The course will cover:

  • The collective imagination of food and its cultural significance
  • Historical origins of food and agriculture
  • Cultural and religious influences on food choices
  • The impact of industrialization on food production and distribution
  • Globalization and its effects on food consumption patterns
  • Contemporary food trends and cultural shifts
  • The relationship between food, health, and the environment

Who this course is for:

  • Students of nutrition, sociology, anthropology, or cultural studies
  • Food industry professionals seeking a broader understanding of consumer behavior
  • Health practitioners interested in the social determinants of diet
  • Anyone curious about the cultural and historical aspects of food consumption

Real-world applications:

  1. Making more informed and conscious food choices
  2. Understanding and respecting diverse cultural food practices
  3. Developing strategies for promoting healthier eating habits in communities
  4. Enhancing marketing and product development in the food industry
  5. Improving public health initiatives related to nutrition
  6. Contributing to discussions on food policy and sustainability

Syllabus:

1. Collective Imagination of Food

  • Do we really know what we eat?
  • Connotations of pork
  • Religions and fire

2. The Origin of Food

  • General aspects: origin of humanity
  • Emergence of agriculture
  • Religions and social organization

3. Culture and Food

  • Religions and cultures
  • Beliefs and representations

4. Supermarket and Economy

  • Origin of foods
  • Impacts on human and cultural health

5. New Food Trends

  • The globalization process
  • Activism and cultural changes