International Agri-food Studies
| Numbering Code | G-AGR06 7FC07 LE82 | Year/Term | 2022 ・ First semester | |
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| Number of Credits | 2 | Course Type | Lecture | |
| Target Year | Target Student | |||
| Language | English | Day/Period | Fri.2 | |
| Instructor name | Hart Nadav FEUER (Graduate School of Agriculture Associate Professor) | |||
| Outline and Purpose of the Course | This course is an introduction to two fields that are shaping academic understanding of our food system: Rural Geography and Food Studies. These are both interdisciplinary fields, mostly based on qualitative data, and require no specialized knowledge. Students from many disciplines will be able to easily grasp the evolution of contemporary agri-food systems, with a focus on rural/cultural change. Through guided essay writing, debates, and presentations, students will also learn how to effectively communicate about these ideas in English language. | |||
| Course Goals |
To gain basic understanding of the global food system through the perspective of Food Studies and Rural Geography. To enhance English-language vocabulary and communication ability for a range of related topics. The course can also be considered preparation for participation in English-language academic events, such as conferences and presentations. |
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| Schedule and Contents |
Class 1,2: What the ‘rural’ is for different time periods, academic fields, audiences Class 3,4: Change as a basic feature of rural areas and food systems Class 5: Essay review and academic writing workshop Class 6,7: Food production, transformation, consumption Class 8: Debate about Champagne; Preservationists vs. Reformists Class 9,10: Interventions and responses to rural change and food system disruptions Class 11: Youth and other marginalized identities in rural areas and food systems Class 12,13,14: Student presentations Class 15: Feedback session |
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| Evaluation Methods and Policy |
1. Attendance [4 unexcused absences or more, students lose this grade] - 10% 2. Mini essays - 20% 3. In-class presentation as a group - 20% 4. Class participation activities: 15% 4. Final paper (student choice by vote) - 35% Refer to current year's "Guide to Degree Programs" for attainment levels of evaluation. |
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| Course Requirements | English proficiency suitable for contributing to discussion and reading a fairly easy textbook. Advanced level reading and writing challenges are available optionally. | |||
| Study outside of Class (preparation and review) |
The textbook provides background reading for weekly seminar-based discussions about contemporary topics of rural development. The lecturer will provide additional real-world examples and English-language support to help students understand each topic more fully. Additional emphasis is placed on topics that relate to food systems in the context of globalization. Small writing assignments will be assigned every 2-3 weeks so that students can get continuous constructive feedback on their English-language writing skills and apply their knowledge of class concepts. In addition, teams of students will take on one major theme and prepare an oral presentation to the class, including interactive event with other students. |
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| Textbooks | Textbooks/References |
Rural Geography: Processes, Responses and Experiences in Rural Restructuring, Michael Woods, (Sage), ISBN:9780761947615, eBook on KULIB/eBookCentral, Also available from Instructor
Additional material is provided in electronic or hard copy to students. Students can access all course material on PandA. |
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| References, etc. | Additional reference material for further consultation and study will be made available as suggestions from the university library, or on the course website (PandA). | |||
