USNA 252 - The Future of Food

Institution:

Case Western Reserve University

Subject:

Description:

Since World War II, science and technology has transformed the way Americans produce and consume food. This transformation has been supported by government policies and accomplished through the application of industrial methods in agriculture, food processing, and food delivery. Such methods have allowed a tiny fraction of the American population to produce vast quantities of food products at very low prices for American consumers. But this American diet, while inexpensive, has turned out to be high in sugar, fat, and processed grains that are contributing to chronic disease such as diabetes and obesity. In addition, environmental impacts of confined animal feeding operations, vast monoculture grain production, and global food transport are raising questions about the sustainability of American agribusiness. This seminar will explore the evolution of food production in the United States since World War II and will ask the question: is it possible to nourish the world's population using nutrition and flavor as guiding principals rather that cost? What is the true meaning of "sustainability" in agriculture? The last third of the course will be devoted to creating a plan for using part of the University Farm to grow food for the University. Prereq: Passing letter grade in a 100 level first year seminar in USFS, FSNA, FSCC, FSSO, FSSY or FSCS. Prereq or Coreq: FSTS 100.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.case.edu

Phone Number:

(216) 368-2000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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