Why is food so common in movies? Why have food movies become so popular in the past few decades? This course examines how food, its production, its consumption, and the socio-political issues related to it have been represented in movies. Students will specifically look at how films illustrate the relationship between food and culture, sex, fantasy and fear. Narrative, visual, and symbolic uses of food will be explored and put in context within current popular culture. Learning Objectives In the class, the students will learn to: 1. Acquire or improve the skills necessary for the critical examination of movies and popular culture. 2. Identify contemporary uses of films to communicate messages about food, food intake, and body image. 3. Describe and evaluate the ways in which filmmakers use food in their work. 4. Acquire analytical tools to investigate food and its role in film from cultural, social, and political points of view."