ARHU 400-02 The History and Culture of Food

Welcome to the Food and Culture Research Guide

This guide is designed to help you explore the intersections of food with culture, history, social issues, and more. Use the sections below to find resources, research tips, and inspiration for your assignment.

Assignment Topics and Approaches

1. Food Items
   Examples: Coffee, sugar, pasta, Italian wine, French opera cake, mint julep, meat pies.
   Key Questions:

   • What is the historical origin of this food item?
   • How has it evolved in different cultural contexts?
   • What are the social, economic, or political implications of its production or consumption?

2. Food Figures
   Examples: Edna Lewis, Sean Sherman, Michael Twitty, Fuchsia Dunlop.
   Key Questions:

   • What is this person’s contribution to food culture?
   • How does their work intersect with broader cultural or social issues?
   • What challenges did they face, and how did they overcome them?

3. Food Places
   Examples: La Boqueria, Little Italy, Café du Monde, Tsukiji Fish Market.
   Key Questions:

   • What is the significance of this place in food culture?
   • How does this location reflect historical, cultural, or social dynamics?
   • How does this place influence or interact with its local community?

4. Food Social Issues
   Examples: GMOs, food deserts, Black farming, food waste, factory farming.
   Key Questions:

   • What are the root causes of this issue?
   • Who is most affected, and what are the social implications?
   • What solutions or interventions have been proposed or implemented?

Research Tips

1. Start with Keywords
   Begin with broad terms, then narrow down using specific keywords. For example:

   • Broad: "Italian food history."
   • Narrow: "History of pasta production in Italy."

2. Use Subject Headings
   Many library catalogs use subject headings like:

   • "Food habits."
   • "Food industry and trade."
   • "Cooking, American."

3. Evaluate Sources
   Ensure your sources are credible and scholarly. Look for:

   • Peer-reviewed journal articles.
   • Books published by reputable academic presses.
   • Reliable websites (e.g., .edu, .gov).

4. Consider Multidisciplinary Angles
   Your topic may intersect with history, sociology, economics, or environmental studies. Search across multiple fields for diverse perspectives.

Example Research Questions by Topic

Food Items

• How has sugar influenced global trade and slavery in the 18th century?
• What role does pasta play in constructing Italian national identity?

Food Figures

• How did Sean Sherman revive Native American food traditions?
• What impact did Edna Lewis have on the perception of Southern cuisine?

Food Places

• How has Tsukiji Fish Market shaped Tokyo’s food culture and tourism?
• What role does Little Italy play in preserving Italian-American identity?

Food Social Issues

• How do food deserts perpetuate urban inequality?
• What are the environmental consequences of palm oil production?

Contact a Librarian

Librarian Name: Dan Williford
Email: research@ringling.edu
Office Hours: By appointment - sign up online.