Food studies engages students in the critical examination of food and eating. Students will choose liberal arts courses from such departments as anthropology, history, philosophy, literature, global studies, sociology, economics, biology, and sustainability in addition to courses in nutrition and journalism. Their course of study will involve them in such topics as the study of foodways across cultures and across historical periods; representations of food; culinary traditions; current controversies and food-based social movements; the ethics of food production and eating; the causes and responses to obesity, hunger, and food insecurity; the impact of different food production systems on the environment; food and inequality; and how government policy shapes food practices.

A Minor in Food Studies involves the successful completion of 18 semester hours. FS 001 is required and all other courses are chosen in consultation with an adviser in the program, with at least 9 hours in residence. Courses must come from at least three different departments, and 12 s.h. must be in the category of liberal arts credit.