Admission requirements
Admission to the Master International Relations. Other students who are interested in this course, please contact the co-ordinator of studies.
Description
Why do we eat what we eat? How are our food systems governed locally, nationally, and internationally? And in what ways do the answers to these questions reflect the struggles for power, access to natural resources, and survival? In our attempt to answer these questions, we are confronted with paradoxes and ambiguities that challenge our notions of food, land, and rights around the globe. The course examines the global food system broadly in connection with agricultural modernisation and land grabbing, indigenous knowledge, seed and biotechnology, nutrition, food safety, and more. These concepts are multifaceted and entangled, requiring an examination of political economic factors, socio-cultural practices, and natural aspects as integrated phenomena. Moreover, these topics also draw various academic and activist interpretations, as well as the interests of policymakers and business actors that are linked to people’s daily experiences. During the seminar, we identify debates, dilemmas, and deadlocks that impede food system contributions to fair distribution of benefits, healthy diets, and the enjoyment of human rights. The course combines theoretical discussions with the examination of inconsistencies found in the current global and local food systems.
Course objectives
To obtain knowledge and insights into political economics factors that shape the design and implementation of global food policies.
To gain an understanding of human rights-related concepts and theories relevant to food and agriculture policies.
To identify and examine multiple considerations, multiplicity of actors, and plural settings that explain the intricate relationship between human rights and access to food.
By the end of the course, students will be able:
To analyse contemporary debates, dilemmas, and deadlocks surrounding the current global and local food systems.
To synthesise and communicate scholarly information to a non-academic as well as an academic audience.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
seminar
Assessment method
Assessment
Weighing
Participation, class presentation, and assignments: 50%
Final Paper: 50%
Resit
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Inspection and feedback
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Attendance
Attendance at this seminar is mandatory. Students may not be absent in more than two (2) sessions. In cases where more seminars are missed, the lecturer, at her discretion, may decide to impose additional assignments, or ultimately exclude the student from further instruction. If you are not able to attend a seminar, please inform the lecturer of the course.
Reading list
The reading material will be made available by the lecturer via BrightSpace together with the syllabus. There will be no need to purchase books.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Huizinga
Remarks
NA