Food as Lens for Exploring Key Concepts in Cultural Differences: A Curriculum Project Introduction to the Project

Main Article Content

Lucy M. Long

Abstract

This essay presents a project using food to explore key concepts central to understanding cultural differences: identity, construction, culture, meaning, systems. Food is both universal and particular, so talking about it is an effective way to help students gain both intellectual and emotional understandings of some of the issues around cultural differences. The project was based on the author’s experiences in university classrooms as well as in public folklore. It was then adapted for K-12 teachers, first by a public folklorist and further developed by a project assistant completing a master’s degree in popular culture and education. The curriculum was shared with K-12 educators and is available to download for free on the website of the independent non-profit Center for Food and Culture (www.foodandculture.org). This introduction to the project is followed by an essay discussing educational theories by the project assistant. The curriculum itself is also included.

Article Details

Section
Research Essays, Notes, & Queries