POLS 220 - Food Politics and Law

Credits: 5
A comparative politics and law course considering motivations/behaviors of food producers, lobbyists, and members of legislative bodies, including the respective roles of governmental regulatory agencies, as well as case law relevant to food/agricultural issues pertaining to customs, ethics, political culture and the profit motive. The potential effects and implications of relevant and actual trade agreements (actual and proposed/pending).

Prerequisite: Instructor’s permission.

Satisfies Requirement: Social Science

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

Explain and Analyze the functions of U.S. legal rules and regulations that affect food production, distribution, health, and consumption, as well as factors (such as technology) that affect the evolution of such laws or regulations over time.
Understand and explain the fundamental principles of administrative regulations, and how they fit within the constraints of U.S. Constitutional principles.3. Demonstrate an ability to concisely articulate the specific holdings and reasoning in assigned food politics readings or cases.
Explain potential implications or consequences of proposed food policies or regulations on various interest groups, such as consumers, businesses, medical practitioners, and/or scientists.
Work cooperatively and effectively in group presentations.
Articulate and use several balancing tests or principles used in the resolution of public policy and food issues, as well as in relevant legal cases.
Understand, appreciate, and reflect on the elements of thought as they are applied to chapter readings or case analysis.
Recognize and apply certain intellectual criteria used to evaluate the merit of particular arguments, cases, or presentations.

Program Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of politics and government in the United States and/or across the world.