This module explores the opportunities and challenges for environmental justice and sustainability through critically examining the constitutive relationships, practices, politics and ideals of global food systems. Food offers a shared and critical lens through which to analyse key questions on resilience, resource distribution and availability, environmental pressures and development. Drawing on the perspectives of  diverse actors throughout food systems from producers to distributors, retailers, consumers, regulators and campaigners, the module explores the scope for, and limits to, developing and maintaining sustainable and just food systems in a context of multiple connected socio-ecological crises. In addition to understanding the complexities of food systems, these offer insights to more general challenges in seeking to shape sustainable futures. The module draws on perspectives from academia and practice, including empirical examples of action seeking to transform food systems, investigating both conceptual and practical limitations.   

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of how and why complex socio-ecological systems are relevant in food production, consumption and waste;
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of why food origins, production methods and consumption patterns are at the forefront of debates on sustainable development and climate  emergency;
3. Appreciate the role of different actors in transforming food systems, and critically consider the impact of varied pathways and actions working towards food sustainability;
4. Evaluate the potential impact of changes in contemporary food systems on academic debate and assess the prospects of sustainable food systems in practice.

The module involves the following methods of learning and teaching:

• Seminar-style lectures to present the central issues and current debates around them, while providing an opportunity for questions and open discussion
• Guest speakers are invited to share their expertise including insights from practice and engage in critical discussions with the students, with a view to enhancing their understanding of policy/practice-led debates on sustainable food systems
• Required ‘group project work’ affords an opportunity to develop problem-solving skills and presentational skills.
• Non-residential field study visits to interact with local food system actors and activity.

1. Subject-related skills.

1. Critically discuss and/or challenge theoretical assumptions about food systems;
2. Evaluate food sustainability policies - both those specifically designed or having an indirect effect - affecting the chosen issue/theme;
3. Assess strategies and programmes adopted in practice including underpinning conceptual models and tools.

1. Employability skills:

1. Problem-definition
2. Written, oral and visual communication
3. Creative and efficient group work and project management
4. Synthesis and application of knowledge to practice, including developing solutions.
5. Engaging with different types of social actors and activity (policy makers, NGOs, media etc).

1. Academic skills:

1. Know and distinguish different principles guiding food systems;
2. Appreciate the opportunities for geography and planning to have positive impacts within food systems
3. Acknowledge sustainability issues related with food systems and appreciate the ecological value of food and different production / consumption systems;
4. Reflect systematically upon what has been learnt in theory and apply it to a project, and its implications for personal development and further training.

The module will be assessed through:

• A final essay
• A final group presentation linked to a ‘live project’ undertaken during the semester.

The essay will help students to gain the theoretical and policy knowledge and skills needed to achieve the learning outcomes listed above.

Formative Assessment

Students will be provided with opportunities for formative feedback tasks throughout the module.

This could include:

Debates in Lectures, Seminar discussions, drop-in discussions with teaching team

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

Re-assessment

Students are permitted to be reassessed in a module which they have failed, in line with University regulations. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/staff/teaching-and-supporting-students/teaching-support/academic-regulations. You will only be reassessed on the components of the module in which you have failed. The format of the reassessment will be the same as the original assessment and will take place in the Summer re-sit period.

Typically the module will cover the following topics:

• Sustainability and Justice in the Food System: Key issues and debates
• Foodscape Governance and PoliciesFood Networks in a Climate Emergency
• The reach and roots of unsustainable, unjust food systems
• The rise and limits of alternative food networks
• Sustainability in the Context of Food Security and Sovereignty
• Land rights and justice
• Work, workers and workers’ collective action in globalised food systems.