Food Studies | Academic Advising & Career Centre

Admissions Category: Social Sciences & Humanities

https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/hcs/

Program Overview

Food Studies is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding where our food comes from and how it shapes our bodies and identities. The program focuses on five basic themes: food systems, cultures, industries, health, and the environment while drawing from a number of disciplinary methodologies. Courses will span all of human history, from our foraging ancestors to the contemporary industrial food system, and around the world, examining diverse cultural traditions of farming, cooking, and eating. The study of food provides both theoretical understanding and practical knowledge for professional careers in health care, business, government service, non-governmental organizations, and educational and community programs.

Complementary Programs:

History, Global Asia Studies, Geography, Anthropology, Environmental Science, Biology

Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:

Competencies & Skills

Understand how food shapes personal and collective identities of race, class, gender, and nation
Recognize patterns and interpret historical events
Conduct community based research, gathering cultural data through observation and interviews
Research, analyze, and develop understanding from various scholarly literature

Careers for Graduates

Volunteer Coordinator, Community Agencies
Program Coordinator, Community Agencies
Community Outreach Coordinator, Food Centres
Food writer/Blogger/Journalist
Media Community Advocate, Non-profit/Food Councils
Policy Advisor
Research Analyst

Further Education

Integrated Studies in Land & Food Systems
Food & Agribusiness Management
International Development
History
Public Policy/Public Administration
Law School
Food & Media
Social Service Worker
Marketing

Program Pathway

Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4

Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely

Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives.
Use Degree Explorer and the UTSC Calendar to plan your courses and program of interest.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Schedule an appointment with your Program Librarian for in-depth research assistance with your assignments.
Get writing and academic English support at the CTL Writing Centre.

Apply Theory to Practice

Attend the UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair to connect with professors and learn more about their specialties.
Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities on the Career & Co-Curricular Learning Network (CLNx).

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Get involved with the Historical and Cultural Studies Student Association (HCSSA); also explore other relevant student clubs and activities on campus.
Attend a What’s Cooking session or Intercultural Food Discussion to engage in the politics of food and the relationship between food, identity, culture and community.

Plan for Your Future Career

Volunteer with organizations to explore your interests; check listings on CLNx.
Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with SCSU’s Volunteer Network Program to explore opportunities.

Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely

0.5 credit as follows: FSTB01H3.
Use Degree Explorer and meet with your Program Advisor to ensure you are on track with your degree

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Further develop your general academic skills by attending workshops offered by the Academic Advising & Career Centre (AA&CC) and Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL)

Apply Theory to Practice

Get involved in relevant opportunities; apply to Work Study, or other part-time and summer jobs on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
Read the Department of Historical and Cultural Studies newsletter to find out about volunteer and work opportunities.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Check CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment) to search for Work Study or volunteer positions on campus to gain experience and to get involved.
Attend events hosted by the Culinaria Research Centre.
Attend events and volunteer with Edible Campus.

Plan for Your Future Career

Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
Connect with professors and advisors early so you are on track with your post-graduation plans.
Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.

Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely

An additional 3.0 credits including at least 1.5 credits at the C- or D-level from FST courses or courses listed in the Food Studies Courses Table on the UTSC Calendar website.
Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Consider competing for the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize or Poster Forum.

Apply Theory to Practice

Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groups, DSL and the AA&CC.
Seek out research and volunteer opportunities with faculty.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Run for an elected position in the Historical and Cultural Studies Student Association (HCSSA).
Look into volunteering or working overseas to expand your network through International Student Centre’s (ISC) Global Learning programs.

Plan for Your Future Career

Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
Check CLNx for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.

Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely

0.5 credit at the D-level in courses taught in the Culinaria Kitchen Lab (See Food Studies Course list on the UTSC Calender website).
Ensure you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Apply for an Academic Travel Fund through Department of Student Life (DSL) to research, present at a conference, or engage with the international academic community.

Apply Theory to Practice

Attend the Summer & Full-time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for summer and full-time positions relevant to your field.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.

Plan for Your Future Career

Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course” and for access to full-time job listings.
Discuss your grad school plans with your professors and AA&CC staff and get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.

Glossary

AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
HCSSA - Historial and Cultural Studies Student Association (https://hcssa.weebly.com)
ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)