Course Syllabus

English 381 Syllabus (Winter 2024)-1.docx

Focused on the theme of food and foodways, this course foregrounds the rich connections between writing, translation and culinary practices, connections that have become a lot more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic.  You will be experiencing the full spectrum of writing about food, from food blogs, magazine articles, personal essays, reviews, recipe-centered pieces, TV shows, to social and cultural commentaries.

Promoting a linguistic and social justice agenda, this course will tackle issues of racism, classism, cultural appropriation, and authenticity while unearthing some of the social dynamics of non-white foodways in local and global foodscapes. It will promote community engagement through providing opportunities for you to research, document, and share the food stories, recipes, traditions, and experiences of the communities in which you live, study, and work. As such, this course will give you the opportunity to explore how immigrants, refugees, and members of marginalized communities have significantly impacted and shaped (and continue to do so) modern American cuisine and food culture. Welcome, everyone!