Latin American Foodways
CRN
Course Number
Credits
Course Description
*This is a student taught course by Yareli Barragan. John Tuxill is the faculty sponsor.
This course introduces students to Latin American foodways. Students will explore the history, cultural significance, and culinary usage of plants native and/or commonly used in Latin America. Engagement with these topics will be done through weekly readings, a weekly food journal, a 10-minute presentation, and an analytical essay. Students will also help steward a plot at the Outback Farm and then use the produce to make culturally relevant recipes within the classroom. These experiences will provide valuable insight into what sustainable agriculture and consumption can look like when we aim to honor foodways of diverse cultures.
Prerequisites
None.
Required Texts
Nabhan, G. P., & Madison, D. (2008). Renewing America’s Food Traditions: Saving and Savoring the Continent’s Most Endangered Foods. Chelsea Green Publishing.
Credit/Evaluation
- Weekly readings. Must be read by the date listed
- Weekly food journal entries about students’ culinary journey. The entry for the week is written within the class schedule. The entries must be completed before the following Monday. Students will turn in their physical journal or an electronic version twice, one mid-quarter, and another at the end.
- A 15-minute presentation examining the history, cultural significance, and culinary usage of one native and/or commonly used plant in a Latin American community. Students must create a bibliography. PowerPoints are not required. Students will sign up for a spot within the last two weeks of the quarter.
- A 3 page, double spaced essay analyzing something that has piqued the student’s interest during the class. This could be an analysis of a certain plant, modern food systems, cultural food values, community gardening, or anything addressed during the class. Students must have a minimum of 6 sources, three must be from class readings.
Narrative Evaluation:
S/NS grading. Self-narrative evaluations due the Monday of Final’s Week. Narrative evaluations are required for credit, and are highly valued as I am especially interested in the students experience within the class. Feel free to evaluate assignments, readings, class dynamics, and their own contribution to these.