Seeds of Empires: An Introduction to Food and Environmental History

Catalog description

This course examines the history of food in imperial/colonial societies from the medieval period to contemporary times. As an expression of culture, a sign of identity, and an index of social and technological change, food stands at the junction of many contemporary concerns. Its history constitutes a new and exciting way to engage critically with issues related to international relations, environmental degradation, sustainability, public health, social inequalities, gender roles, and diasporas. Students will familiarize themselves with historical problems such as the study of food diplomacy, imperial sciences and engineering, cultures of consumption, and cookbooks.