SCHC 330 H03 19416

SocBehavSci, GSS

Notes:

Eating is an important part of human behavior, one of the few complex behaviors we perform multiple times per day in every culture on the planet. In fact, cultures around the world have many unique rituals and taboos regarding food. Eating can bring us great pleasure and many of our fondest memories may revolve around a meal. And yet eating can be the source of much pain and anxiety, and in many places, improper nutrition may be a significant contributor to physical and mental illness. The aim of this course is to understand how eating works from biological, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives. We will examine how the digestive system (including microbiome), immune system, and nervous system, work together to extract energy from food and how food and diet may contribute to disorders of these systems, and thus, overall health. In addition, we will explore how culture, media, and politics may play a role in these illnesses. We will accomplish this through a combination of readings from current journals and media, class discussions, critical analysis of issues, and hands-on experiences.