World Food Issues
Agronomy 342
Agronomy 342
Fall Semester 2011
Dr. Steven L. Fales
Professor of Agronomy
1563 Agronomy Hall
294-3917
slf@iastate.edu
Agronomy 342
World Food Issues
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMZ4nihvEng
Agronomy 342
Fall Semester 2011
August 23
Objectives

Understand contemporary issues regarding
food, food systems, food distribution,
hunger, and food security
 Evaluate arguments critically and professionally
 Respect and value different perspectives on
issues
 Practice skills for collaborative learning
 Effectively communicate orally and in writing
Scope of the course

Food and food systems
 Components of a food system
 Factors shaping US food preferences

Hunger
 Hunger in the U.S.
 Root causes
 Myths about hunger:
○ World Hunger: 12 Myths, Lappe et al., 1998
Format:
Occasional mini-lectures, short videos,
and class discussion
 In class assignments
 Assignments completed outside, and
presented in class

 Analysis of chapters in text
 Investigations
 Term project
Evaluation criteria for
Investigations and Project

Clarity of thought and evidence of
comprehension

Soundness of arguments

Communication skill

Evidence of joint effort, when
appropriate
Grading (600 points)

Attendance/class participation: 90

Assignments (7) : 210

Investigations (3): 150

Project (1):
150
Professional Etiquette
1.
All points of view are respected.
2.
Everyone is encouraged to voice their
opinions, even if they might be
unpopular.
3.
Personal attacks are inappropriate and
will not be tolerated.
4.
A word about cell phones, etc…
Course Web Page
http://www.agron.iastate.edu/courses/
agron342/index.asp