Food Systems and Sustainability
Food Systems and Sustainability
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Duration1 semester
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Credits6 ECTS | 3 US
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Start dateFall 2026: from 09/15/26 to 12/15/26 | Spring 2027: from January to May (dates to be confirmed)
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Modality
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Languages
Explore sustainable food systems: from production to consumption with a Mediterranean approach
In this course you will learn about food through a systems perspective, to arrive at a comprehensive and operational definition of sustainable food systems.
We will approach all aspects of a food system, including production, harvest, processing, distribution, storage, transport, marketing, consumption and food waste, using local experiential learning events, and Mediterranean case studies. As a result, you will understand how food systems are influenced by social, political, economic, and environmental contexts.
This course has a broad range of applications, and is of interest to students in the fields of environmental studies, agricultural studies, education, business, sustainability studies, food engineering, sociology, etc.
- Number of credits: 6 ECTS / 3 US
- Duration: 1 semester
- Fall Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:15 pm to 3:45 pm
- You can enroll in a single course or in several courses per semester.
- Our courses are open to everyone; all applicants can enroll directly and will receive a Certificate of “Curso Superior Universitario” from the University of Barcelona upon successful course completion.
Experiential learning | Methodology
A key part of our mission at the Food Studies & Gastronomy Program is to provide students with immersive, hands-on learning as part of their study abroad experience.
We firmly believe that a study abroad experience strictly restricted to the four walls of a classroom makes no sense. That’s why our approach is rooted in experiential learning, an engaged learning process whereby students “learn by doing” and by reflecting on the experience.
We capitalize on Barcelona’s local traditions and privileged landscapes to enrich our experiential learning methodology – our students learn in action, first-handedly taking in the city’s vibrant history and culture to stimulate their personal and academic growth while abroad.
All our courses include field studies and opportunities for hands-on learning, and we make sure to reference the world outside the classroom in every single class.
Here are just some of the field studies and experiential activities our courses can include:
- Cooking workshop at CETT-UB
- Extra virgin olive oil tasting
- Visits and tastings at local wineries or similar
- Guided tours of Barcelona’s municipal markets
- Guided visits to local food businesses
