Food and Culture

As taught in: Spring 2011

A photograph of a child eating dim sum.

Food plays an important role in our culture and relationships. (Photo courtesy of John Catnach on Flickr.)

Instructors:

Prof. Heather Paxson

MIT Course Number:

21A.265

Level:

Undergraduate

Course Features

Course Description

Explores connections between what we eat and who we are through cross-cultural study of how personal identities and social groups are formed via food production, preparation, and consumption. Organized around critical discussion of what makes "good" food good (healthy, authentic, ethical, etc.). Uses anthropological and literary classics as well as recent writing and films on the politics of food and agriculture.