LFU:online

Students acquire the ability to illustrate selected fields of rural and regional sociology (e.g. agro-food studies, agriculture-environment relations, development of the relationships between the urban and rural environments, etc.), and they know the relevant discussions. They use theoretical concepts to analyse changes of economic and consumption patterns and values as well as the influence of regulative interventions. They are able to analyse and evaluate the effects of social change in terms of identities, actions and relations between relevant actors based on specific issues.

On completing the advanced seminar you should be able to:

·         Understand how the historical development of industrial farming has contributed to environmental degradation

·         recognise the need for an interdisciplinary approach in order to examine environmental changes related to food production and consumption

·         use a range of concepts to interpret a variety of food related initiatives and practices

·         develop skills in evaluating arguments about food-related issues

·         recognise and evaluate the potential effects of your own and others' actions in terms of environmental sustainability

·         develop an analytical framework for approaching the main seminar question ‘How can we make a difference?’

The seminar addresses the challenge that food production and consumption poses to the global environment. Now that agriculture has become so significant in environmental change, it is becoming increasingly clear that different ways of providing food have different environmental consequences. Using examples from across the food supply chain, you’ll explore the implications of this and evaluate why food has become such a key focus for those attempting to shift patterns of production and consumption in more sustainable directions.

We produce food, we cook it and we eat it. Food is very much an economic issue; while many people grow the food they eat, most people buy their food. This seminar will show that how and what we eat is also shaped by social, cultural and emotional processes which, in turn, shape our environment.

The seminar will combine traditional lectures aimed at introducing theories, concepts and debates, interactive sessions in which you will work with audio-visual materials (films, clips, audio programmes) either as an individual or as a member of group; and presentations of case studies and ensuing discussions.

The assessment will comprise three components, two individual and one group work:

·         50% reflection paper (individual)

·         25% presence and participation in sessions and debates (individual)

·         25% research and analysis of a food initiative case study (group work)

see OLAT

positive completion of the compulsory module according to § 5 Para 1 No 10