Courses & Units
Food Fights: The Political Economy of Sustainable Food Systems HPP324
Introduction
This unit introduces students to the politics, policy, and political economy of the modern commercial food system. The modern food system is increasingly considered to be unsustainable due to its carbon carbon intensity, reliance on synthetic chemicals, plastic packaging, food waste, health impacts, and worker and consumer exploitation. The unit is divided into three modules. The first module introduces students to systems thinking and compares and contrasts hunting and gathering, subsistence agriculture, and market exchange approaches to food provisioning. In the second module, the contribution of the modern food system to climate change, health, labour exploitation, and resource waste is investigated. The final module examines mainstream, reformist, and radical policy proposals for food system transformation. Taking the view the 'personal is political', students will be encouraged to reflect on their own food practices and consider whether and how these might need to change for the food system to be meaningfully sustainable.
Summary
| Unit name | Food Fights: The Political Economy of Sustainable Food Systems |
|---|---|
| Unit code | HPP324 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Arts, Law and Education School of Social Sciences |
| Discipline | Politics and International Relations |
| Coordinator | Professor Fred Gale |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Launceston | Semester 2 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Online | Semester 2 | Off-Campus | International | Domestic | |
Key
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | 22/7/2024 | 16/8/2024 | 9/9/2024 | 27/10/2024 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2024 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2024 will be available from the 1st October 2023. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Explain discrete and systems thinking concepts and how they are applied to food systems.
- Compare and contrast the sustainability of conventional, high-tech, export-oriented food systems with people-centred, community-oriented, values-balanced alternatives and hybrid approaches.
- Apply a sustainable systems approach to local food systems.
- Critically evaluate the impact of food policies and practices on your home, the university and the workplace.
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 090103 | $2,040.00 | $957.00 | not applicable | $2,324.00 |
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | On campus: Weekly (pre-recorded) lectures or equivalent (1.5 hours) and weekly face-to-face tutorials (2 hours)
Online: Weekly (pre-recorded) lectures or equivalent (1.5 hours) and weekly online discussions (2 hours) |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Participation in weekly tutorials (25%)|Political Economy of Food (25%)|Place-Based Case Study (50%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
See MyLO site for details |
|---|---|
| Recommended | See MyLO site for details | Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.