I loved this class!! As someone who has always been interested in ethical consumerism, I enjoyed this class very much! Professor Tandler is very kind, understanding, approachable, and does a great job in carrying out engaging lectures. This class is largely based on attendance and participation, so you HAVE to participate. The class structure mirrors a seminar-based class where Professor Tandler has slides based on our readings, provides us a little information, and opens up the floor for questions/presents the class with questions. Everyone participates and it is a very welcoming space where you can share your thoughts without being judged. Prior to every class, we would have readings which would be about 10-20 pages long or podcasts/videos to listen/watch. In class, we would be quizzed on the readings so I recommend taking notes since Professor Tandler allowed us to use our notes. His goal behind quizzing us is to ensure that we do the readings, which he introduced in Fall 2025 and are relatively simple (sometimes a little confusing/hard to comprehend, but don't worry because they will be reviewed in class). The quizzes are usually four questions and straightforward. A few questions on some of the quizzes were very exact, but at the end of the quarter, Professor Tandler asked us for our opinions because my quarter was the first time he implemented quizzes. He was very open to our concerns and the quizzes were on a pass/no pass basis where as long as you get 2/4, the TAs will add up your overall quiz points at the end of the quarter and give you a 100. This could differ though next quarter/whenever this class is offered again, so be sure to ask about this. We also had five assignments which were 2-3 page long papers. The papers mirror reflections and as long as you pay attention in lecture/understand the material, you should be alright. There is no midterm or final, but we did have a group presentation (which is kind of like a final) which was super fun. You are allowed to choose a topic with your group and then simply do research on it, present your slides to the class, and guide a discussion. Overall, this class is very manageable and I enjoyed it a lot!!

I highly recommend taking this class with professor Tandler. I feel like everyone should take this class because it is very eye-opening to the injustices and unethical practices within the food system. This class was easy and it was very impactful. There are 5 assignments which are mainly reflections, group presentation, and there was supposed to be a group research paper but we did not have to do it anymore because of the TA strike. The documentary we watched was very explicit, I did get uneasy watching it but it reveals the unjust practices within the food system (There is an alternative assignment if you prefer not to watch it). The guest speakers in this class were very informative and their research/ lifestyle/ work was interesting. Participation and attendance matters in this class, it is 45% of your overall grade, but it is very easy to participate. I would definitely take this class again. :)

annoying and kinda disgusting—it's the exact food studies class you think you're getting. easy ge and super random mix of people but it works out. just make sure to show up to lecture and say that you're becoming vegan and you'll get an automatic A

This class will make you a vegetarian. You get exposed to some pretty gruesome topics (eg: animal ethics and the meat industry) without any censoring. However, the class is pretty engaging and is very discussion based. No phones or computer allowed in lecture and attendance is taken. Assignments are simple reflections and then there is a final group research paper on any topic related to Food Politics. Overall, very easy and manageable; I would take this class again.

This class might make you vegan or vegetarian. The first half of the quarter is focused on the reality of factory farming, animal oppression, and the modern food industry. The second half of the course is slightly more solution oriented, with various guest speakers from different organizations and jobs. It’s a very discussion-based class, and attendance and participation in lecture is important. The class consists of 4 short writing assignments and a final 10 page group research paper. There are also weekly reading assignments, but I think most people didn’t read them. Overall, it was a very engaging class and honestly made me think hard about and question the food industry and my personal food choices. Would recommend to anyone tbh