IDM077-Food Security and Development

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Alex Arnall
Email: a.h.arnall@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Explore the complex, sometimes contentious, yet crucial relationship between food and global development. You will gain a broad but comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with producing, accessing and consuming food in different parts of the world.  

Aims:

This module explores the complex relationship between food and global development. It looks at the challenges associated with accessing and utilising food in different parts of the world, as well as some of the contentious politics that have arisen as a result of these processes. It considers the successes of the Green Revolution in improving food security for millions of people around the world, but also those regions and populations that have been ‘left behind’. The module also examines some of the alternative frames to the ‘productionist’ approach to food and development, including those that emphasise the roles of nutrition, culture and socio-natures.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

1. Describe the scale and depth of food insecurity in different parts of the world, and why food security still eludes many people; 


2. Discuss the range of approaches to tackling the food security problem, and the institutional and political issues surrounding some of these; 


3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the multifaceted nature of food security, including itsnutritional and cultural components.

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop communication, writing and critical analysis skills through class participation, reading of materials and preparation of an essay, as well as have reviewed case study examples. In addition, skills to understand the role of practical tools, methods and frameworks for assessing food insecurity.

Outline content:

1. Module introduction


2. Modernising food systems  


3. Food regimes 


4. Food contentions and movements 


5. The Green Revolution 


6. Food and famine 


7. Nutrition 


8. Food socio-natures


9. Vulnerability assessments for food 


10. Food cultures and consumption

Global context:

The module deals with international issues relating to food and global development. It draws on case studies from most regions of the world. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures are taught using case studies from around the world, video clips, group discussions on readings and media, and practical sessions. Individual study using the Blackboard Site is required and participation during class discussion is expected.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	20
Wider reading (directed)	30
Advance preparation for classes	20
Reflection	10
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	60
Report	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Short essay (2000 words maximum) based on a choice of four questions given out in the first class (these will be based on each of the key debates introduced in classes 2-5). The short essay is worth 60% and must be submitted online via Blackboard in November.

Write up of practical (1000 words maximum), with guidance available in advance online and explained in the practical session (based on the insights of using the Vulnerability and Poverty Assessment framework. The write up is worth 40% and must be submitted online via Blackboard in December.

Formative assessment methods:

Students are encouraged to discuss their understanding of the essay topics and planned approach or essay outline, and of the critical reading assignment with the module convenor – time will set aside during class to explain the assessments. There will also be opportunity for student to rehearse their ideas during class discussions.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
A new research question for written reassessment will be provided by the module convenor.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: 


2. Specialist equipment or materials: 


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 


4. Printing and binding: 


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: 


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 25 January 2024