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ANSO 321 Food, Culture, and Society

This course applies a social science perspective to the study of food. While eating is a biological necessity and often a social activity, the meanings of food are embedded in larger sociocultural contexts. Food is connected to individual and cultural identities, structures of power and inequality, and activism and social justice. Students will examine the social forces and social relations surrounding food, and the links between food and bodies. Multimedia materials and a variety of readings are used to study the complex connections between food, culture, and society.

Prerequisites

Special information

Note: Formerly known as SOC 321.
4 Undergraduate credits

Effective May 7, 2025 to present

Meets graduation requirements for

Learning outcomes

General

  • Understands concepts and approaches to the study of food in anthropology, sociology, and related fields of study.
  • Examines how culture, gender, race, ethnicity, and class influence food-related practices and behaviors.
  • Develops critical thinking skills needed to analyze contemporary social issues in relation to food.
  • Applies course materials to one¿s own experiences with food socialization.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

Goal 5: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

  • Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
  • Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
  • Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
  • Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.

Goal 7: Human Diversity

  • Understand the development of and the changing meanings of group identities in the United States' history and culture.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society.
  • Analyze their own attitudes, behaviors, concepts and beliefs regarding diversity, racism, and bigotry.
  • Describe and discuss the experience and contributions (political, social, economic, etc.) of the many groups that shape American society and culture, in particular those groups that have suffered discrimination and exclusion.
  • Demonstrate communication skills necessary for living and working effectively in a society with great population diversity.

Fall 2025

Section Title Instructor books eservices
50 Food, Culture, and Society Enke, Janet Lynne Books for ANSO-321-50 Fall 2025 Course details for ANSO-321-50 Fall 2025