Latin American Indigenous Foodways
From production to consumption, from preparation to presentation, food is a powerful symbol of social and cultural meaning. This course examines the expansive relationship between food and identity in Latin American Indigenous Communities through interdisciplinary readings, guest lectures, and experiential learning. Throughout the semester, we will analyze how cultural and economic globalization has affected Indigenous agricultural practices, food sovereignty, and foodways in four regions: the Amazonia, Andes, Central America, and Mexico, as well as in the Latin American diaspora. In addition to critical readings from food studies, anthropology, history, geography, climate science, and cultural studies, we will consider works of fiction and examples of food media (documentaries, Instagram, podcast episodes, etc.). Special attention will be given to how Indigenous foodways in Latin America have shaped and been shaped by the dynamics of colonialism, immigration, urbanization, and global capitalism. Discussions and readings will be in English.
Required Texts:
Primary materials (films, short stories, essays, photos etc.), contextual readings, and podcast lectures provided by the professor (no purchase required).
Language of Instruction: English
Prerequisites: No prerequisites