SUMMARY

This course considers the reciprocal relationship between Earth's changing climate and the human production and consumption of food. With attention to current theories and case studies, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of food systems in relation to global environmental change, with a specific focus on livelihoods, adaptation, sustainability, and justice.

GOALS

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Be able to understand and clearly explain climate processes and food systems, and their reciprocal relationship
• Develop a set of tools for researching, analyzing, presenting, and writing about these issues
• Be able to strategize for, and evaluate the outcomes of, policy
• Develop an original project related to topical research.

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION AND TEACHING MATERIALS

The articles and texts for this course are available online or through university libraries.

Download pdf >> Food and Climate Change Syllabus

FCC_Fall2011_Syllabus_Chatham_Finewood.pdf

TEACHING NOTES / CONTEXT FOR USE

This course is designed as a discussion seminar. Weekly readings are best discussed in a roundtable format so that participants can work through the specific meanings of concepts (e.g. adaptive capacity, vulnerability) and how they are used in particular cases. Many sections include articles that present a wide range of viewpoints. A useful approach is to have students lead at least one class throughout the semester by contributing additional research/reading and asking open-ended questions to motivate discussion.

ASSESSMENT

Student Assessment: • Student-led class; • Weekly write-ups; • A final project; and • A final presentation.

SHORT DESCRIPTION

This course considers the reciprocal relationship between Earth's changing climate and the human production and consumption of food.