Humanity in the Food Web

Rich Gates rsgates@illinois.edu (questions about webpage, wiki, journal entries, grade summary)

• 360C Agricultural Engineering Sciences Building
• 217-244-2791

Or via IM (take your pick):

• gates_rich1 via Yahoo Messenger
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Writing Graders

Course Description

This course is about the human food web, the complex network of technologies, environments, people, and social institutions that produce, process, and distribute the world’s food supply.

You will come to understand the food webs of the past, present, and future and will explore various human roles, including your own, in the global technology-environment-society-food system. Course topics include domestication, mechanization, urbanization, the green revolution, biotechnology, food safety, the environment, and appropriate technologies.

You will also develop your abilities in critical thinking, written and oral communication, and discriminating judgment with regard to your actions as a consumer and citizen in the food web.

Course Format & Policies

The course includes several different means or activities to accomplish the above objectives, including:

1. Reading assignments. You will read from a variety of books, journal articles, and websites. You are expected to complete the required readings before coming to class

so you can effectively participate in class discussions (a requirement). These reading assignments will also be useful for completing written assignments. Reading assignments and class agendas may be accessed by clicking the topic title in the proposed schedule below.

1. Class discussions, exercises, and possibly, field trips. You learn best when you articulate what you have read and experienced and what you do not yet understand. You are expected to actively participate in class exercises. Field trips to farms, food processing plants, and other relevant locations may be considered.
2. Journals. You are to submit a minimum of four entries (approximately every third week) in a course journal. Your journal may include (a) reactions to class exercises and discussions, (b) observations from readings outside of class, (c) any other comments that characterize your growth in the subject area, and, (d) comments or questions for the instructional team. Journal discussion pages may be accessed by clicking the topic title in the proposed schedule below, and then choosing the 'discussion' tab at the top.
3. Reviews, Papers, and Projects. You will complete one Book Review of approximately three pages, a Position Paper of approximately three pages, one Term Paper of approximately 10 pages (these papers may be interrelated and each may build upon the previous paper), and one Oral presentation of approximately 10 minutes in length (which may be based upon one of your written assignments).

Academic Integrity