ACE 251: The World Food Economy
ACE 251 is an introduction to current topics related to the global demand and supply of food. For example: how is demand for food changing and how will the world meet those changing demands? We apply basic economic concepts to consider population growth, food security, markets, natural resource use, and trade and food policy. This course meets a social and behavioral sciences general education requirement as well as a non-western cultural studies general education requirement.
Prerequisites (Must be complete BEFORE taking this course):
ACE 100 or ECON 102
Instructor Teaching the Course:
This course is taught by the professor below. You may click on their name to learn more about them. Teaching schedules vary by semester. Please check the Course Explorer for the most up-to-date information about the sections they will teach.
Craig Gundersen
Hope Michelson
View the Course Explorer:
See when the course is offered as well as section details here: https://courses.illinois.edu/schedule/terms/ACE/251
Spring 2019 Restrictions
None!
Additional Course Information
Read more about what Professor Michelson has to say about ACE 251!
Is this class discussion-based or lecture-based? How would you describe your teaching style?
It is both - lectures twice a week but discussion sections to practice concepts.
I encourage participation, even in the 150-person lecture classes. Lectures incorporate examples from my work and my colleagues’ work as well as from current events. What people eat, how food moves around the globe, and who does and does not have enough to eat are questions critical to culture, to history, to politics.
How are students evaluated (e.g. multiple choice or essay tests, papers, etc.)?
Tests are multiple choice and short answer and students work in groups on a project in which they research, draft and pitch a proposal to a funder (like the Gates foundation) to tackle a food security problem (local, regional, national, or global).
In what ways does this course prepare students to move through the program and/or into the work force?
The course serves as an excellent introduction to topics being taught and researched in the department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics: international development, environmental economics, trade, price analysis. It also fulfills a gen ed requirement in non-western cultural studies or social studies. The questions we consider are very topical and the course both functions as an excellent opportunity to practice and apply economic concepts as well as to gain exposure to a range of current issues and policy debates.
What is your background in Agricultural and Consumer Economics?
I have a MS in Ag Econ (from Illinois!) as well as a PhD in the topic. I’ve studied topics in the world food economy including challenges and opportunities of emerging markets, Walmart and the expansion of international retail, small farming and poverty in developing countries, and food security.
What is your attendance policy?
We take attendance in discussion sections as well as in lectures. Attendance makes up 10% of students' grades and is assessed using i-clickers. Students can receive extra credit during the semester for participation in i-clicker questions during lecture.
