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Academic Year 2002/2003

The Politics of Food in Film: Cultural Political in the Body Politic
GOVT 380 SP

This course examines how the portrayal of food and diverse culinary practices in film can help us to understand the character and identity of the body politic. The interdisciplinary medium of "foodways" is an especially useful way of understanding several concepts that are a critical part of the political, such as the distinction between public and private, between self and state, and many others. Moreover, the study of foodways sheds much light on the politics of identity, race relations, and gender relations.

MAJOR READINGS

Our primary source material will be film. Among the materials we will view will be LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE; EAT, DRINK, MAN, WOMAN; BABBETTE'S FEAST; BIG NIGHT; A FEAST AT MIDNIGHT; and others. In addition to the films, we will make reference to and use of the following materials.
FOOD & CULTURE: A READER. Counihan et al
CONSUMING PASSIONS. Griffiths et al
THROUGH THE KITCHEN WINDOW. Avakian
KITCHENS. Fine
EAT FAT. Klein
POLITICS OF FAT. Sims

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Six written papers over the course of the semester, on topics to be determined by the instructor.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

A final paper or project to be chosen by the student in consultation with the instructor.

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS GOVT    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: GOVT151 OR GOVT105 Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-18-2003

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