Global and Local Food Systems unit (KLA301)

Introduction

In this interdisciplinary unit, students are introduced to systems thinking and practice in the context of local and global food production, distribution and consumption. They will explore how broader social, cultural, economic and ecological factors influence the structure and behaviour of different food systems. Using local and international case studies, students will apply different systems approaches to analyse complex problems related to food and explore their own influence on these problems.

Summary

Unit name	Global and Local Food Systems
Unit code	KLA301
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Discipline	Agriculture and Food Systems
Coordinator	Doctor Saideepa Kumar
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the structure and behaviour of systems using concepts and principles of systems thinking.
• Analyse complex problems in food systems by exploring different perspectives.
• Identify one’s place and influence within both local and global food systems.
• Recommend interventions that address complex sustainability challenges by using appropriate systems approaches.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	This unit will be taught in a block of seven weeks within a semester. Students can enrol on-campus or online. On-campus: Online content released via MyLO Weekly 3-4 hour workshops  Self-directed learning (50 hours over 5 weeks) Online: Online content released via MyLO Weekly 2-3 hour workshops  Self-directed learning (80 hours over 5 weeks)
Assessment	PhotoVoice reflection (10%)|First Nations Systems Thinking (15%)|Systems Insights Report (30%)|Systems Analysis (45%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	You will need the following text [available as electronic books through the University Library]: E-book: Thinking in Systems (see unit schedule for important chapters)
Recommended	Rittel, H.W. and Webber, M.M., 1973. Dilemmas in a general theory of planning. Policy sciences, 4(2), pp.155-169. Ackoff, R.L., 1981. The art and science of mess management. Interfaces, 11(1), pp.20-26. Spedding, C.R.W., 1988. A systems approach to agriculture. In An Introduction to Agricultural Systems, pp. 15-40. Springer, Dordrecht. Clapp, J. (2021). Food (Third edition.). Polity.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.