September 30 & October 2 – Critical Overview of Food Systems
Class Content
In these classes, we will explore why urban agriculture is important by looking at some of the problems within the broader food system. We will discuss the social, environmental, and economic impacts of the industrial food system and consider what urban agriculture can help address.
We will also look at fall crops and ways to continue growing as the season changes.
These discussions will help you prepare for Blog 1, due October 9. We will go over the assignment together and use class time to begin developing your topic, argument, and supporting evidence.
Supplemental Readings and Resources
Optional video for anyone interested in exploring the topics from class in more depth.
Presentations
Schedule
September 30
Introduction & Check-In
– How are your plants doing?
– Did your seeds germinate?
– What were some of the most interesting things you noticed during the farm visits?
Fall Crops
– What can still be planted in the fall?
– Farm tunnels and cold frames
– Extending the growing season
Why Is Urban Agriculture Important?
– What does urban agriculture address?
– What are the main components of a food system?
– What are some of the problems with the industrial food system?
– Who benefits from the current food system, and who bears the costs?
A Critical Look at Food Systems
– Food insecurity and food sovereignty
– Social inequality within the food system
– Environmental impacts of industrial agriculture
– Farmer livelihoods and food prices
– Corporate concentration and control
– Connections between food systems and the broader economy
Blog 1 Assignment
– Introduction to Blog 1, due October 9
– Review the assignment expectations
– Discuss how the issues explored in class can help you develop your blog
– Begin thinking about a topic, argument, and supporting evidence
October 2
Introduction & Check-In
– Brief check-in
– Questions from the previous class
Blog 1 Discussion & Practice
– What do you want to write about for Blog 1?
– What issue or problem are you examining?
– How does your topic connect to urban agriculture?
– Why is this issue important?
– What argument do you want to make?
– What evidence or examples could support your argument?
– Discuss your ideas with classmates and receive feedback
Questions, Concerns & Comments
– Questions about Blog 1
– Questions about course concepts
– Questions, concerns, and comments