ENVI 241 - Food, Environment, and Society in 20th Century America

Cross-Listed as HIST 241

This course will follow the history of 20th century American food from the farm through the factory and then to the table. In other words, students will come to know how Supermarket America came to dominate the landscape. We will explore the transformation of the family farm to industrial endeavor and the role of the federal government, farm lobbyists, and land grant universities in that process. The course will also examine the role of technology and science in making American food systems more efficient and complex through assembly lines, pesticides and herbicides, and the genetic modification of foods. Finally we will explore the political questions surrounding Supermarket America and why many Americans revolted against it by demanding organic foods and macrobiotic diets and more generally food justice. The environmental impact of America’s ways of eating will run throughout the course. While the instructor will give brief conceptual lectures, textual analysis and in class discussion will act as the primary mode of inquiry. Once per academic year. (4 Credits)