FRS 001 — Sec. 008 —
(1 unit) — CRN 73032 — W 3:10 – 4:30 pm — 2120J Wickson
Dietary Sabotage: Evolutionary Perspectives, Institutional Secrets,
and Health Consequences
Instructors: Steven Weinbaum, Department of Plant Sciences and Alyson
Mitchell, Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agricultural and
Environmental Sciences
Description: The increase in obesity and other "diseases
of affluence" have risen to epidemic proportions in the U.S. Parallel increases
in the dietary consumption of sugar, sugar substitutes, trans fats, highly -processed
and refined oils and grains as well as artificial food additives have been noted
and are being implicated increasingly in disease causation. Over the same time
interval, billions of dollars have been spent in medical research to "fight
cancer and heart disease," etc., but cancer rates remain high. We will establish
an evolutionary context for disease prevention (in contrast to the current emphasis
by the medical establishment on disease treatment) and healing before considering
political, economic and social forces which may be undermining the health of the
U.S. population. It is evident that these interrelationships fall beneath the
radar of awareness for most of us. Our exploration may result in greater clarity
and sharpened skepticism about the underlying limitations, perspectives and motivations
of medical authorities, governmental agencies, pharmaceutical- and food- processing
industries which impact our well being. This clarity may help us mobilize the
resolve needed to assume greater control of our physical and mental well-being.
Format: The seminar will meet 1.5 hours each week for eight weeks.
A class reader is required, and we will utilize assigned readings, small-group
and whole -class discussions, informal lectures, video clips and a guest speaker
to help us accomplish our goals. Grading: Grading will be based
on weekly written critiques of assigned readings (40%), Class participation (30%),
and a two- to -three page reflective summary paper at the end of the quarter (30%).
About the Instructors: Steven Weinbaum is a
professor in the Dept. of Plant Sciences (formerly in the Department of Pomology
since 1974). Although his research areas are fruit tree biology, mineral nutrition
of fruit trees and tree crop physiology, he has interests in and has taught Herbal
Medicine (Science and Society 90C) for 10 years. He also has interests in traditional
foods, medical anthropology, and Taoist philosophy and energetic practices (Qi
Gong and Tai Chi Chuan).
Alyson E. Mitchell is an associate professor in the Dept. of
Food Science & Technology. Her research program is focuses on identifying
biologically active phytochemicals in foods and understanding how pre-harvest
factors and post-harvest processing influence their levels in whole foods and
food products. Additionally she is interested in how diet influences the expression
of critical detoxification enzymes and how this relates disease prevention. Her
research strengths are in analytical chromatography and bioanlytical mass spectrometry.
She teaches courses in Food Toxicology and the Chemical and Physical Analysis
of Foods.