How can food and food practices influence our sense of belonging – or of exclusion? In this course focused on student’s own research, we explore ways in which food contributes to the building of communities and a sense of belonging. We talk about “breaking bread” as a way of overcoming differences, examining the long history of food and eating as tools in conflict resolution and the de-escalation of disputes. Food can also be our entry into new communities, shown through the million-dollar industry of food tourism which markets food as, literally, a taste of a new culture. But food – what we eat and how we eat it – also delineates class, ethnicity, race, religion, gender, and citizenship status. With Denmark as a case study, you will spend the semester researching a topic of your own choice related to food and belonging.
“People eating similar food are trustworthy, good, familiar, and safe; but people eating unusual food give rise to feelings of distrust, suspicion, and even disgust” (Scholliers, 2001).
Related Discipline(s)
This course would also be of interest to the following discipline(s):Critical Race and Ethnic Studies, Gender Studies