Interdisciplinary Arts 0212 - Food Systems Change

Food is about subsistence but is also so much more - the food system impacts our health, environment, economics, and cultural expression. In this class students will learn about the good, bad, and ugly of the current food system, and develop ideas to make a positive difference, on campus and beyond. Students will practice social entrepreneurship principles and skills by developing systems change ideas all the way to presenting their enterprise ideas. In particular, students will explore the food systems of Hampshire College, and nearby Holyoke, MA, to learn about the assets and challenges of these communities, to better generate real entrepreneurial ideas. No prior entrepreneurship or agriculture experience is necessary, but there will be some spreadsheets and basic math. Class includes case studies, accomplished social entrepreneur speakers visiting and skyping in from around the world, some tasty snacks (for educational purposes only), and at least one field trip.

Power, Community and Social Justice Independent Work In this course, students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. This time includes reading, writing, research, interviews, presentation preparation.