Course Description
Literature reflects and shapes culture—and so does food. This course examines diverse texts in which food figures importantly. How does it promote health and wellness, continue cultural traditions, or speak to environmental concerns? This course is for everyone who likes to grow, buy, cook, eat, or share food.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
The ability to read critically and discuss the aesthetic, rhetorical, or cultural qualities in texts.
The ability to develop convincing, well-supported print or digital projects.
The ability to understand the relationship of literature or rhetoric to history or culture
The ability to incorporate research into a print or digital project.
The ability to understand and implement a literary or rhetorical theories
Demonstrate and identify knowledge of factors that contribute to physical, mental and/or social health.
Demonstrate the connection(s) of different aspects of wellness to the overall health of an individual or population.
Critically evaluate information and media sources in a variety of formats.
Integrate and cite sources accurately and correctly.
Course Grading Information:
Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
Two hour exams | 15% each |
Take-home cumulative final exam | 20% |
Short and informal research assignment | 10% |
6-page research assignment | 25% |
Class participation grade | 15% |
Grades will follow a 10-point scale with breaks at, for example, 80-82.99 (B-), 83-86.99 (B), and 87-89.99 (B+). I will discuss subject matter and format of all assignments and exams in class well ahead of time.
Grading Scale
Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
93.0 and above | A |
90.0 – 92.9 | A- |
87.0 – 89.9 | B+ |
83.0 – 86.9 | B |
80.0 – 82.9 | B- |
77.0 – 79.9 | C+ |
73.0 – 76.9 | C |
70.0 – 72.9 | C- |
67.0 – 69.9 | D+ |
63.0 – 66.9 | D |
60.0 – 62.9 | D- |
Below 60.0 | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Class participation will constitute a significant part of your grade. You will be evaluated on the frequency, quality, and originality of your comments—in short, on how much you personally contribute to the class's engagement with and understanding of the authors we are reading. Please feel free to introduce new questions and topics to class discussion, and to respond directly to your fellow classmates' comments.
Roll will be taken at the beginning of class based on a seating chart we will have in place by the second week of class. More than three unexcused absences will result in a lower final grade. More than eight absences for any reason will result in your failing the course or being forced to withdraw. Absences are excused only for illness and family emergencies; absences will be excused only if you (1) contact me before class via email and (2) provide any documentation I request. If you have a major health or personal emergency, please let me know as soon as possible.
You are, by state law, allowed two excused absences due to religious holidays, which do not count toward your total allowed three absences. If you plan to miss class for this reason, you must notify me in advance of your absence.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
All course materials will be uploaded to Canvas.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.