SOC 3250: Transition in Agriculture
Course Summary: Social change is the process through which culture, institutions, social structures, and interactions are transformed. From this perspective, the US agriculture and food (agri-food) system has changed dramatically, especially since the end of World War II. While social change is typically thought of as a good thing, sociologists argue that social change is complex, varied and often contentious because it can produce both positive and negative effects for different groups within society.
In this course, we will assess the social, ethical and sustainability implications of changes within the agri-food system for different groups, including farm families, farm workers, rural communities, consumers, and the environment. Any assessment of change within the agri-food system is complicated by the fact that agriculture not only produces food and fiber but also social, cultural, economic and environmental public goods that are critical to the broader well-being and sustainability of society.
Typical Schedule: Every Spring Semester
Example Student Feedback:
"I really enjoyed this class. I will use the theories as a way to logic through many ethical quorums in my life and agriculture as a whole. This was my first sociology class, and I will take more in the future because of it."
"This class helped me to see all of the different sides to arguments. It has allowed me to think more openly about different people's opinions, and why they think that."
SOC 3500: Human Diversity in Agriculture
Course Summary: This course utilizes a sociological perspective to critically examine how various intersecting identities impact the experiences of marginalized groups in U.S. agriculture. Diverse and underrepresented groups play critical roles as farmers, farmworkers, and other agricultural stakeholders, yet their contributions often remain invisible and they struggle to reach equity in leadership positions, agricultural organizations, extension services, and agricultural policy benefits.
In this course, students will learn to draw on key sociological theories to assess the roles, barriers, and successes of farmers and farmworkers from intersecting and diverse genders, sexualities, races, ethnicities, immigrant statuses, and socioeconomic groups. In particular, we will focus on the institutional, ideological, and structural factors that have contributed to inequities in agri-food system and how to enact change through policy and outreach.
Typical Schedule: Every Fall Semester
Example Student Feedback:
“I have now been able to reflect on my rural community, which has allowed me to observe and identify ways that my community can embrace diversity in the agriculture industry while ensuring that everyone feels safe, valued, and respected”
“Taking Sociology 3500 has opened my eyes to have diverse agriculture can be. Not just in the industry itself but also the people within. On top of everything, American agriculture is becoming more welcoming to everyone as compared to in history. People from all over the world can come to America and start a career in agriculture. No matter what specialty it is, there is always a seat up to help feed the world.”
SOC 4440/5440: Sociology of Food and Agriculture
Course Summary:
A note on cross-listed courses: Cross-listed courses are those available to both higher-level undergraduate students at the 400-level and graduate students at the 500-level. Undergraduate and graduate students attend the same class period and cover the same material, but with different expectations and grading standards plus some additional assignments for graduate students. Frequently, undergraduate students come from within the major and graduate students come from external majors. This provides significant opportunities for co-learning and interaction drawing on each group’s background, expertise, and career goals.
The primary goals of this course are to 1) introduce students to some of the major theories, concepts, debates, and methods associated with the sociology of agriculture and food systems and 2) practice application and professional skills relevant to these topics. The focus on goal 1 or 2 will depend on individual students’ standing (graduate or undergraduate) and their major, research interests, and career goals. This course is organized as a partnership-based learning model, pairing graduate and undergraduate student partners to collaborate on weekly reading presentations and a term paper/poster project. Undergraduate students will refine their knowledge of sociological concepts and methods with a focus on practical application and building skills relevant to graduate school or future professional endeavors. Graduate students will be expected to bring expertise in their research area to the course, learning how fundamental sociological concepts and skills can be integrated into their topic of interest and gaining practice in mentorship and teaching.
Possible topics, which are subject to change given student interests, include public agricultural research and the Land Grant system; the diffusion and adoption of agricultural innovations; agrifood consolidation and corporate power; farm communities and farm workers; agriculture and environment; organic and local agriculture; and race, class, and gender in the agrifood system. The course exposes students to the varied research designs and methods used by social scientists who study agriculture and food systems topics, focusing primarily on U.S. agriculture and food systems.
Typical Schedule: Every Fall Semester
Example Student Feedback: "I really enjoy how discussion based the class is, I like hearing others' viewpoints and it brings up a new way to think."