ENP-31806 Globalization and Sustainability of Food Production and Consumption

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Basic sociological theory.

Contents:

- how are processess of globalization and regionalization influencing flows of food;
- examples of food production and consumption changing under the influence of globalization;
- how do food chains deal with increasing food risks and how do they try to re-constitute consumer trust;
- globalization of regulatory regimes and how they influence global food trade.

Aims:

- students know the basic aspects of food production and food networks: the most important conditions of production, and the main social characteristics of the food networks;
- students have insight in the process of globalization and its impacts on food production and consumption. They are able to apply a few selected theories of globalization and regionalization to explain contemporary developments of food networks. They are able to relate issues of globalization to shifts in international trade regimes (e.g. WTO) and in environmental regimes (e.g. ecolabels) ;
- students can explain the main differences between a productivist and a consumer orientation in the organization of food networks. They can indicate the main consequences of a shift to consumer orientation;
- students have insight in central environmental impects of food networks. They can relate these impects to the rise of the ecological movement, to the concepts of risk and trust, and to the theory of ecological modernization.

Activities:

Every lecture is followed by a session where literature is discussed. Students are required to attend the lectures, read the scheduled literature and to participate in the discussion sessions. Students are required to do a special assignment.

Examination:

The final mark will be based on a written exam, on participation in the discussion groups and on the special assignment.

Literature:

A detailed course guide including references to literature is available at the Environmental Policy Group.