Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - GEOG 385 D100

Food and the City (4)

Class Number: 4904

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Instructor:

    Christiana Miewald
    cmiewald@sfu.ca
    Office: TBD
    Office Hours: By appointment

  • Prerequisites:

    At least 45 units, including GEOG 100 or REM 100.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An exploration of how food is related to cities, giving particular attention to the culture and politics of food production, distribution, and consumption.

COURSE DETAILS:

Food is a fundamental part of life and affects many areas of our existence. This course examines how food integrates into urban geography, with a focus on foodscapes in Vancouver and other cities. A foodscape refers to the spatial and social aspects of food systems within a specific area, encompassing the distribution, accessibility, and cultural significance of food resources.

Key topics include the effects of race, ethnicity, and gender on food production and consumption, the politics of food access, food gentrification, food security and sovereignty, and the impact of health and environmental challenges on food landscapes. Students will explore these issues through a variety of academic and popular readings, videos, and a field trip.

This course may be applied toward the Certificate in Urban Studies

Tutorials will be held the first week of class.

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Identify and apply the concept of foodscapes to a range of urban environments. Students will understand the factors and processes that contribute to the distribution of food resources within a city, including economic, cultural, and geographical influences.
  2. Examine how social factors such as race, ethnicity, and gender affect urban food systems. Students will explore how these factors influence food access, distribution, and the inequalities that arise in urban food environments. They will assess the role of these social dimensions in shaping food policies and community food practices.
  3. Utilize various research methods to investigate their own food environments. This includes conducting food mapping to visualize food resources and access points, employing social statistics to analyze patterns and trends, and performing fieldwork to gather qualitative data on local food practices and challenges.
  4. Work collaboratively with peers to analyze and discuss course topics, sharing insights and findings through the foodscape project. Students will practice effective teamwork and communication skills to present their analyses clearly and persuasively.

Grading

  • · Quizzes 40%
  • · Tutorial Participation 20%
  • · Foodscape Project 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.