Postgraduate Module Descriptor


POLM016: Food Systems, Alternative Food Networks, and Ethical Consumption

This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.

Module Aims

You will read works on food systems within a range of disciplines, including political economy, development studies, geography, sociology, and anthropology. Through engagement with the literature, you will develop perspectives on food systems at various scales, not only analyzing how existing systems work but also how alternatives to these might be created. The module will prepare you for your own research in the field of study, whether academic or within the context of public institutions, industries, or third sector organisations with an interest in food and its role in economic development, social justice, cultural preservation and environmental sustainability.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Critically analyze the histories of food systems of various types and scales
2. Identify and critically assess the roles of a range of actors and component parts of food systems of various types and scales
Discipline-Specific Skills3. Discern the political and economic drivers of food systems of various types and scales
4. Recognize and articulate critical perspectives on the social and environmental consequences of food systems of various types and scales
Personal and Key Skills5. Critically analyze sources pertaining to the operation of existing food systems and proposed alternatives
6. Present relevant information in support of coherent critical appraisal of existing food systems and proposed alternatives