Lifestyles: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (CBL)

Statistics imply that Americans may be in the midst of an obesity epidemic. By understanding the various factors influencing our lifestyle behaviors (including the mass media, age, gender, socioeconomic status, technology), we can hopefully devise ways to “get us out of this mess.” This course will examine historical, cultural, social and psychological predictors of lifestyle behaviors, with a focus on physical activity and food choices. We will investigate changes in food sources, food production, and work/family life to understand our own and others’ lifestyle choices within a broader historical context. We will also examine the social and global implications of these lifestyle decisions. In addition, students will be engaged in community service, partnering with groups in the local community. (CBL)