*2026 Spring *NEW* Food Studies: Exploring Why, What, and How We Eat
Class Number:
780-02
INSTRUCTOR:
TIME:
Tuesdays, 10:05 AM - 12:35 PM
LOCATION:
GLS House, 2114 Campus Drive
Description:
Explores the culture, history, economics and politics of food and agriculture in the U.S. and beyond. Includes discussions of the history of food studies, culinary traditions, the history of farm labor, food distribution systems, nutrition as interpreted by the USDA and others, the so-called natural foods movement, and other salient topics. Features field studies of local restaurants and other food establishments. Sampling encouraged! One goal of the course will be to help GLS student and others incorporate food culture(s) – their own and others -- into their broader work.
Professor Charlie Thompson is a former farmer, has organized farmers’ markets, sold produce to restaurants and grocery stores, and has written and made documentary films about farms and farm labor. He was a founding board member of the Duke Campus Farm. He continues to grow a garden and an heirloom apple orchard today.
Spring 2026, Agriculture, Anthropology, History