Topics in Anthropology (290-0-2)

Topic

Anthropology of Food

Instructors

Amanda Logan
847/491-4564
1812 Hinman Ave. Room 203
Prof. Amanda Logan's overarching goal is to connect the past to the present through reframing the kinds of questions we ask and empirically bridging the modern/premodern divide. Her current focus is building an archaeology of food security that traces how, where, and when chronic hunger emerged across the African continent.

Meeting Info

Parkes Hall 224: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

All humans have similar nutritional requirements, yet the diversity of food preferences across the world is virtually unlimited. In this introductory class, we will explore how these differences emerged and help define cultural similarities and differences. For the first half of the quarter, we will examine the deep history of foodways, focusing on the role of food in human evolution as well as the historical processes of colonialism and globalization. The second half of the quarter will focus on food and identity in modern contexts. Rather than being arranged by world region, this class is arranged topically in order to bring different cuisines in conversation with one another. Case studies cover a wide stretch of thevworld, from Africa to the Americas to Asia and Europe.

Registration Requirements

First or second year status

Class Materials (Required)

Articles on Canvas