History 111: The American Food System: History, Technology, and Culture

How we obtain the food we need or desire is probably the most important issue that shapes human and environmental history. This course surveys the American food system, specifically its relationship with the environment, politics, and culture. We look at the production and consumption of food from the Revolutionary period to the present day, but focus the most on the post-World War II and contemporary period. We consider the following questions: Why have Americans made particular food choices? How has agriculture evolved through American history? How have food and agricultural choices affected the environment and human health? How have food choices in the U.S. affected other parts of the world?