- Evolution of the Human Diet

Catalog description

An anthropological exploration of the origins of human nutrition and subsistence practices and an examination of how social and technological innovations shape the modern diet. Students will develop an understanding of selective pressures and anatomical adaptations for an omnivorous diet, investigate food-related cultural and technological practices, and learn about health consequences of prehistoric and modern food ways. Students will investigate controversial issues such as food production and factory farming, inequality and food resources, and fad diets and veganism. Drawing on primary literature and classroom discussions, students will be introduced to methods from anthropology and related disciplines and hone skills in literature reviews, research, oral presentations, writing, and critical thinking.