Students critically assess the past, present, and future of meat and dairy in global contexts from a multidisciplinary perspective. Through lectures, applied discussions, and field-based learning, students will analyse how meat and dairy have shaped (and been shaped by) human behaviour, identities, and society.
In the first part of the week, we will discuss an array of topics touching on how animal-based foods are deeply embedded in our daily lives, focusing on evolutionary tendencies, identity, and social norms via the historical and cultural trajectory of these foods, from early hunter-gatherer societies to present-day consumption trends. In the second half, attention turns to the future: adoption of protein alternatives, and implementation of policy tools that reduce reliance on animal products.
The course combines theory with practice. Students will apply theoretical insights to real-world settings through an excursion to local restaurants/food businesses in Amsterdam engaged in the food transition. By analyzing these sites through the lens of course material, students will deepen their understanding of the different factors that play a role in food decision making. The course culminates in a presentation and individual essay, in which students write an introduction to a paper aimed to be published in a multidisciplinary journal such as Food Policies.
Every day starts with a short introduction of one aspect of protein transition, i.e. historical evolution, identity, culture, meat alternatives and public policy. This introduction is followed by a guest speaker. The morning ends with a case study where students are encouraged to approach the (lack of) success of a food transition based that day’s theme. The students will work on these case studies in (diverse) groups which will be formed on the first day, based on background and interest.
After lunch, a short lecture that discusses in detail a key article. Students will read the article prior to class, and answer questions that allow them to reflect on the research goal of the article. After the lecture, there will be exercises that help them write the individual essay. At the end of the day, students will provide feedback to one another based on these exercises in groups. All students will present their individual essay on the final day.
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