SOCA3350

The Sociology of Food

Faculty of Education and Arts School of Humanities and Social Science

10 Units 3000 Level Course

Available in 2012

Callaghan Campus	Semester 1

Previously offered in 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006

Aims to provide students with a sociological understanding of the social context of food and nutrition. Students examine the production, distribution and consumption of food to understand 'why we eat the way we do'. Topics include: the causes of world hunger; the rise in popularity of vegetarianism; the environmental consequences of food production and consumption practices; debates over the genetic modification of food; the links between gender and food; the influence of social class and culture on food habits.

Objectives

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
1.Demonstrate an understanding of theories, research methods and debates in food sociology
2.Be familiar with the process of critical appraisal of relevant literature
3.Critically analyse and discuss a refereed journal article in written and oral form relevant to food sociology
4.Construct an evidence table on a specific topic relevant to food sociology
5.Communicate understanding of theories and debates in food sociology in essay form.

Content

1. An overview of sociological approaches to studying food and nutrition.
2. The ethics and politics of food production and consumption, in terms of world hunger, the environment, and vegetarianism.
3. The links between food and the body, especially the social construction of obesity and thinness, and the links between gender and food.
4. Critiques of the social consequences of genetically modified food.
5. Food policy and issues of food regulation.
6. The role of class and culture in food consumption.

Replacing Course(s)

SOCA2320 Sociology of Food

Transition

Students who have successfully completed SOCA2320 are not eligible to enrol

Industrial Experience

Assumed Knowledge

40 units of study at1000 level.

Modes of Delivery

Internal Mode

Teaching Methods

Lecture
Tutorial

Assessment Items

Essays / Written Assignments

Major Essay (50%) 2000 words
The essay serves to develop students' research, writing and critical analysis skills in which
they will need to demonstrate their ability to critically engage with the essay question, synthesize
and analyse a range of academic material, and construct a logical and theoretically informed
argument. The essay address course objectives 1,2, and 5.

Presentations - Tutorial

(20%)This task includes a 10 minute oral presentation and written paper that aims to critically appraise a nominated refereed journal article. The presentation aims to introduce empirical, theoretical and methodological issues relevant to food sociology to facilitate class discussion. Presentations are scheduled throughout the semester. A written version of the Tutorial Presentation in essay format will be submitted in class on the day of the presentation. The paper will include a summary of the presentation and a two page evidence table of the relevant wider literature. This assessment task addresses course objectives 2, 3, and 4.

Quiz - Class

In-class Multiple-choice test No. 1 (15%)
This test will be of one hour duration and will cover the first six weeks of the course. It will take place mid-semester in class time. The test is designed to consolidate student learning by encouraging the early and continuous revision of material covered in lectures, readings and tutorials. The test addresses course objective 1.