Cognitive Science 0140 - Food Futures

What are the crucial connections between the food we grow to eat and the ongoing challenges of climate change and declining biodiversity? What could it mean to "eat sustainably"? Starting from the basic ecological principles of food, we will explore novel approaches and alternatives to established agricultural practices, examining the promises and pitfalls of industrial agriculture, genetically-modified foods, supermarkets, traditional meat production, as well as the complexities of food waste. Further small-group research into emerging food systems will lead to a series of zines introducing others to critical questions about our food futures from an ecological perspective. Keywords:Climate, agriculture, ecology, sustainability

Environments and Change Students should expect to spend 8 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time. Library Materials: Ideally streaming or DVD library reserves of: Food Inc. (2009) King Corn (2007) Big River (Bullfrog Films, 2009) Harvest of Fear (PBS, Nova, 2001)