ACE 255: Economics of Food and Environmental Justice
Access to food and a healthy environment varies across rural/urban location, race, gender, and income in the U.S. Students in this course will analyze questions of "food justice" and "environmental justice" through the lens of economic theory. Students will learn important concepts in the scholarship of minority cultures, learn facts about how food security and experience of environmental quality varies among groups in the U.S., and learn how to use economic theory to understand those patterns and analyze policies to correct inequities.
Prerequisites (Must be complete BEFORE taking this course):
ACE 100 or equivalent is an official prerequisite but is not enforced.
Instructor Teaching the Course:
This course is taught by the instructor 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.
Dr. Amy Ando
View the Course Explorer:
See when the course is offered as well as section details here: https://courses.illinois.edu/schedule/terms/ACE/255
Spring 2019 Restrictions
None! This course satisfies campus US Minority Cultural Studies and Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education requirements.
Additional Course Information
Read more about what Dr. Ando has to say about ACE 255!
Is this class discussion-based or lecture-based? How would you describe your teaching style?
There are two 50-minute lectures a week and then Friday sections of no more than 30 students. The lectures are very active, with lots of Q&A encouraged. I use a mixture of board work and powerpoint. The Friday sections use instructional games, discussions, and data exercises.
How are students evaluated (e.g. multiple choice or essay tests, papers, etc.)?
Students are evaluated with in-class activities in sections, writing reflections after every lecture, several short quizzes, and two very short writing assignments.
What careers does this course help prepare students to pursue?
This course will teach students important foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills related to economic systems and social justice. The critical thinking is useful in all careers.
What courses can students take to prepare for this material?
You could take ACE 100 or ECON 102, but it isn’t necessary.
In what ways does this course prepare students to move through the program and/or into the work force?
This class will teach students a range of economic theories related to environmental and food systems. It will help students to understand a range of inequities in U.S. food and environmental systems, and prepare them to work more comfortably with diverse sets of people.
What is your background in Agricultural and Consumer Economics?
Professor Ando is an environmental and resource economist.
What is your attendance policy?
This class has daily graded activities so attendance is important, but students can drop the five lowest grades (even if zero) without any excuse needed.