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Keeve Nachman, PhD, MHS,
Robert S. Lawrence, MD,
and
Pamela Rhubart Berg
A food system encompasses the activities, people and resources involved in getting food from field to plate. Along the way, it intersects with aspects of public health, equity and the environment. In this course, we will provide a brief introduction to the U.S. food system and how food production practices and what we choose to eat impacts the world in which we live. We will discuss some key historical and political factors that have helped shape the current food system and consider alternative approaches from farm to fork. The course will be led by a team of faculty and staff from the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future. Guest lecturers will include experts from a variety of disciplines, including public health, policy and agriculture.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
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What's inside
Syllabus
Is Climate Change Vindicating Malthus? Food Security and the Right to Food
Welcome to our short course on the U.S. food system. In this first series of lectures, we dig into the very important concepts of food systems, food security and intergenerational equity and begin to explore what we eat, how that food is produced, and how our dietary choices impact our health and the health of the planet. This broad overview lecture lays the foundation for the rest of the course.
Read more
Syllabus
Is Climate Change Vindicating Malthus? Food Security and the Right to Food
Welcome to our short course on the U.S. food system. In this first series of lectures, we dig into the very important concepts of food systems, food security and intergenerational equity and begin to explore what we eat, how that food is produced, and how our dietary choices impact our health and the health of the planet. This broad overview lecture lays the foundation for the rest of the course.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Examines role of dietary choices on health and the planet
Taught by experts in public health, policy, and agriculture
Develops understanding of food sustainability and resilience
Focuses on the U.S. food system
Discusses food animal production and public health
Explores food and farm policy and community food security
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Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary
Introduction to u.s. food system from public health
According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive introduction to the U.S. food system, particularly from a public health perspective. Many found the content highly relevant and eye-opening, appreciating the way it connects food production, policy, and health outcomes. The instructors and guest lecturers are often cited as knowledgeable and engaging, providing diverse viewpoints. While generally well-received, some noted that the depth on certain topics could be limited, fitting for an introductory level but potentially requiring further study for deeper understanding. The course is described as a solid foundation for understanding complex food system issues.
Covers breadth over extreme depth.
"As an introductory course, it provides broad coverage but doesn't go into extreme depth on any single topic."
"Some areas felt like they could benefit from a bit more detailed exploration."
"It's perfect if you need an overview, but be prepared to seek out more resources for deep dives."
"The course provides a good foundation, indicating areas for further learning."
Highlights interconnections effectively.
"Really appreciated how the course connected policy, environment, and health within the food system context."
"It does a great job of showing how everything is interconnected."
"Helped me see the bigger picture of food systems issues."
"Understanding the links between farming, policy, and health was a key takeaway for me."
Expertise and clarity of instruction.
"The instructors are clearly experts in their fields and conveyed information effectively."
"Guest lecturers added valuable perspectives and real-world experience."
"I appreciated the passion and knowledge shared by the teaching team."
"Lectures were easy to follow and well-organized."
Content is timely and thought-provoking.
"The topics discussed are highly relevant to current issues surrounding food and health."
"Each module was engaging and prompted a lot of personal reflection."
"I found the real-world examples and case studies particularly impactful."
"The course content was both informative and inspiring."
Provides a broad overview of the system.
"This course provides an excellent overview of the complex U.S. food system."
"A great starting point for understanding the various facets from farm to fork."
"It covers a wide range of topics, giving a solid foundational understanding."
"I feel much more informed about how our food system works after taking this course."
Strong emphasis on public health links.
"The way the course frames the U.S. food system through a public health lens is incredibly insightful and valuable."
"I particularly appreciated the focus on how food production and policies impact public health outcomes."
"Learned so much about the connections between our food choices, agricultural practices, and population health."
"This course is highly relevant for anyone interested in public health and nutrition."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in An Introduction to the U.S. Food System: Perspectives from Public Health with these
activities:
Compile a list of resources on food systems
Show steps
Creates a valuable reference for future learning and exploration.
Show steps
-
Search for resources on food systems.
-
Organize the resources by topic.
-
Share the list with others.
Read "The Food System: A Reader" by Marion Nestle
Show steps
Provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. food system, its history, and its impact on public health and the environment.
Show steps
-
Read the introduction and first three chapters.
-
Identify the key concepts and themes.
-
Summarize the key points in each chapter.
Join a study group
Show steps
Provides opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and support with fellow learners.
Show steps
-
Find a study group or organize your own.
-
Establish a regular meeting schedule.
-
Prepare for meetings by reviewing the course materials.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice identifying different types of food systems
Show steps
Strengthens understanding of the diversity and complexity of food systems.
Show steps
-
Review the different types of food systems.
-
Find examples of each type of food system.
-
Compare and contrast the different types of food systems.
Create a food system map
Show steps
Helps visualize the interconnectedness of the food system and identify key leverage points for change.
Show steps
-
Identify the key components of the food system.
-
Research the relationships between these components.
-
Create a visual representation of the food system.
Follow a tutorial on food system modeling
Show steps
Provides hands-on experience with using tools and techniques for food system analysis.
Show steps
-
Find a tutorial on food system modeling.
-
Follow the steps in the tutorial.
-
Apply the model to a case study.
Develop a food system intervention proposal
Show steps
Encourages critical thinking and the application of knowledge to real-world problems.
Show steps
-
Identify a food system issue or challenge.
-
Research potential interventions.
-
Develop a proposal outlining the intervention, its implementation, and evaluation plan.
Participate in a food system design competition
Show steps
Provides a challenging and engaging way to test and apply knowledge, while fostering innovation.
Show steps
-
Find a food system design competition.
-
Develop a team and design a food system.
-
Submit your design to the competition.
Compile a list of resources on food systems
Show steps
Creates a valuable reference for future learning and exploration.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for resources on food systems.
- Organize the resources by topic.
- Share the list with others.
Read "The Food System: A Reader" by Marion Nestle
Show steps
Provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. food system, its history, and its impact on public health and the environment.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the introduction and first three chapters.
- Identify the key concepts and themes.
- Summarize the key points in each chapter.
Join a study group
Show steps
Provides opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and support with fellow learners.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study group or organize your own.
- Establish a regular meeting schedule.
- Prepare for meetings by reviewing the course materials.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice identifying different types of food systems
Show steps
Strengthens understanding of the diversity and complexity of food systems.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the different types of food systems.
- Find examples of each type of food system.
- Compare and contrast the different types of food systems.
Create a food system map
Show steps
Helps visualize the interconnectedness of the food system and identify key leverage points for change.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the key components of the food system.
- Research the relationships between these components.
- Create a visual representation of the food system.
Follow a tutorial on food system modeling
Show steps
Provides hands-on experience with using tools and techniques for food system analysis.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a tutorial on food system modeling.
- Follow the steps in the tutorial.
- Apply the model to a case study.
Develop a food system intervention proposal
Show steps
Encourages critical thinking and the application of knowledge to real-world problems.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a food system issue or challenge.
- Research potential interventions.
- Develop a proposal outlining the intervention, its implementation, and evaluation plan.
Participate in a food system design competition
Show steps
Provides a challenging and engaging way to test and apply knowledge, while fostering innovation.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a food system design competition.
- Develop a team and design a food system.
- Submit your design to the competition.
Career center
Learners who complete An Introduction to the U.S. Food System: Perspectives from Public Health will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental Health Scientists study the impact of environmental factors on human health. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the US food system and the ways in which food production practices and our food choices impact our health and the health of the planet, making it ideal preparation for the subset of Environmental Health Scientists specializing in food systems.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability programs for businesses, non-profit organizations, and governments. This course would be useful in developing an understanding of how food systems impact sustainability, as well as providing tools for measuring and mitigating the environmental impact of food production and consumption.
Food Policy Analyst
Food Policy Analyst
Food Policy Analysts research, develop, and implement policies and programs related to food and nutrition. This course would be a valuable resource for Food Policy Analysts, as it provides insights into the US food system, the factors that influence food policy, and the potential impact of food policies on public health and the environment.
Food Systems Analyst
Food Systems Analyst
Food Systems Analysts work to improve the efficiency and sustainability of food systems. This course would be helpful in developing an understanding of the complex factors that influence food systems, and the ways in which food systems can be improved to promote public health and environmental sustainability.
Public Health Nutritionist
Public Health Nutritionist
Public Health Nutritionists work to improve the nutritional health of populations. This course would provide valuable insights into the role of food systems in public health, and the ways in which food policies and interventions can be used to improve nutritional outcomes.
Environmental Health Epidemiologist
Environmental Health Epidemiologist
Environmental Health Epidemiologists investigate the relationship between environmental factors and human health. This course would be helpful in developing an understanding of the ways in which food production practices and our food choices impact human health, providing valuable context for research in this field.
Food Safety Inspector
Food Safety Inspector
Food Safety Inspectors ensure that food is safe for consumption. This course would provide a comprehensive overview of the US food system, food production practices, and the potential hazards associated with food production and consumption, making it ideal preparation for a career as a Food Safety Inspector.
Agricultural Economist
Agricultural Economist
Agricultural Economists study the economic aspects of food production and distribution. This course would be helpful in developing an understanding of the economic forces that shape the US food system, and the potential impact of food policies on agricultural producers and consumers.
Food Scientist
Food Scientist
Food Scientists develop new food products and processes. This course would provide a valuable overview of the US food system, food production practices, and the factors that influence food quality and safety, making it a useful resource for Food Scientists.
Registered Dietitian
Registered Dietitian
Registered Dietitians provide nutrition counseling and education to individuals and groups. This course would provide a comprehensive overview of the US food system, the relationship between food and health, and the ways in which food choices can be used to improve health outcomes, making it a valuable resource for Registered Dietitians.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the causes of disease and other health problems. This course would be helpful in developing an understanding of the ways in which food production practices and our food choices impact human health, providing valuable context for research in this field.
Nutritionist
Nutritionist
Nutritionists provide nutrition counseling and education to individuals and groups. This course would provide valuable insights into the relationship between food and health, the factors that influence food choices, and the ways in which food policies and interventions can be used to improve nutritional outcomes.
Health Educator
Health Educator
Health Educators develop and implement health education programs. This course would be helpful in developing an understanding of the relationship between food and health, the factors that influence food choices, and the ways in which food policies and interventions can be used to improve public health.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research, develop, and implement policies and programs. This course would be helpful in developing an understanding of the policy-making process, the factors that influence food policy, and the potential impact of food policies on public health and the environment.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help businesses and organizations develop and implement sustainability programs. This course would provide valuable insights into the role of food systems in sustainability, as well as providing tools for measuring and mitigating the environmental impact of food production and consumption.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ty9l2h/an
Reading list
We've selected 14 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
An Introduction to the U.S. Food System: Perspectives from Public Health.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of food policy, covering topics such as food security, food safety, and food sustainability. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the complex world of food policy.
Classic in the field of sustainable agriculture and nutrition. It provides a comprehensive overview of the environmental and health impacts of our food system, and offers practical advice on how to eat a healthy and sustainable diet.
Investigates the hidden world of the food industry, and reveals the true cost of our cheap food.
Save
Provides a sobering look at the challenges facing the world's food system. Roberts argues that we are on the brink of a global food crisis, and he calls for urgent action to address this issue.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between food and culture.
Fascinating exploration of the American food system. Pollan follows the journey of four meals from farm to table, and he reveals the hidden costs of our industrialized food system.
Save
Passionate call for a more sustainable and humane food system. Pollan argues that we need to eat more real food and less processed food, and he offers practical advice on how to make this happen.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the causes and solutions to world hunger. It covers a wide range of topics, including poverty, inequality, and climate change.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges facing the global food system.
Save
Powerful indictment of the modern food system. Robbins argues that our diet is making us sick and destroying the planet, and he offers a vision for a more sustainable and healthy food future.
Explores the ethical implications of our food choices. Singer and Mason argue that we have a moral obligation to consider the impact of our food choices on animals, the environment, and other people.
Beautifully written memoir about a family's year of eating locally and sustainably. Kingsolver's insights into the food system are both personal and profound.
Powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the ethics of eating animals. Foer argues that we need to rethink our relationship with animals and that we should consider adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Save
Classic work of environmental literature. Carson documents the devastating effects of pesticides on the environment and human health. Silent Spring was a major catalyst for the modern environmental movement.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ty9l2h/an
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Effort
6 modules. Each contains approximately 2 hours of lecture, 30 minutes of reading, and a short quiz.
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Johns Hopkins University
Instructors
Keeve Nachman, PhD, MHS
Robert S. Lawrence, MD
Pamela Rhubart Berg
Language
English
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