INTR3053: The Food Divide

My hope is that this course, “The Food Divide: Health, Wealth & Food Injustice”, will support the University Honors Program’s vision of “shaping global citizen scholars” by not only teaching students to think critically about complex multifaceted problems, but to encourage and prepare them to lead by thinking outside the box, and ultimately developing innovative approaches to addressing complex global issues. By investigating the connections between food systems, health disparities, and socio-economic influences, commercial advertisement and media influences, the course encourages students to explore how these factors contribute to widespread health inequities.  Being a course attended by students with different majors, students will need to work with people of differing backgrounds and skillsets, and often with differing views. 

Students will begin by learning to critically analyze articles, advertisements, government policies, and subtle cultural and media portrayals. They will explore how social determinants—such as geographic location and income—can shape health outcomes, often outweighing the role of genetics. Armed with this knowledge, students will develop a global perspective on public health, honing the critical thinking skills needed to address complex issues like food injustice and health inequities.

Through engaging discussions, weekly analytical reflections, and a final presentation where they will need to devise a roadmap to a solution in the future at the end of the course, students will not only enhance their ability to look critically at the world, but also cultivate an innovative, solution-driven mindset essential for addressing global challenges. This course emphasizes ethical considerations and systemic approaches, moving beyond individual responsibility, and encouraging students to seek out broader societal solutions. This aligns with the UHP’s mission to develop leaders capable of creating meaningful change in the world.

Over the past century, metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers have skyrocketed to unprecedented levels. Once considered diseases of affluence, these conditions have become a global pandemic, disproportionately affecting billions of socioeconomically disadvantaged people. Despite significant advances in modern medicine, these chronic diseases now account for more deaths, disabilities, and economic and mental health burdens than ever before.

Surprisingly, the strongest predictor of health outcomes isn’t genetics or personal behavior—it’s the zip code you live in.  But why?  The overwhelming evidence shows that social and environmental factors, including access to nutritious food, safe environments, and economic stability, play a major role in determining health. Yet, both public opinion and modern medicine often place the responsibility for managing chronic diseases squarely on the individual. This misperception feeds societal biases and fuels the stigma surrounding body types and metabolic disorders, a battle we continue to face today.

In this course, we’ll explore the root causes of poor health, examining both the pathophysiology and the complex environmental and behavioral factors behind these conditions. We’ll dive into the ethical, social, and legal implications, scrutinizing the influence of food marketing and the widespread availability of low-nutrition foods in low-income communities. Additionally, we’ll uncover the cultural, economic, and agricultural barriers that make controlling and preventing metabolic disorders so difficult, as well as the pervasive role of media in shaping public perception.

This course is structured around group discussions to help us better understand the issues surrounding obesity, its impact on society, and potential solutions. Each week, you’ll engage with reading materials—articles, and video clips—posted on UC Canvas. You’ll write a brief (1-page or less) reflection on the assigned content and respond to any questions posted. Our discussions will go beyond interpreting the materials; we’ll also critically evaluate the readings, exploring their strengths and weaknesses. Once you’ve submitted your own reflections, you’ll be encouraged to comment on others' submissions, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

This is not a traditional lecture-based course; it’s a group-led class, with the instructor serving as a guide. Together, we’ll uncover the complexities of metabolic disorders and challenge the misconceptions that continue to shape our understanding of health and disease.