Offers a multidisciplinary set of perspectives on an intrinsic part of daily life—food. Food is not just about survival—it is about being human. Producing it, making it, eating it, obsessing about it is woven throughout our lives. It defines, and is defined by, culture. It is the basis of economies, has produced great fortunes, defines entire communities, and is the cause of conflicts. It is at once natural and artificial, grown and manufactured. It nourishes us and makes us sick. It is the source of sublime pleasure and no small anxiety. Food defines us, as much as we define it. With these considerations, this course uses food as a lens into contemporary life.