The Food Systems certificate utilizes a “Certificate Outcomes” approach, an innovative curriculum model that maps courses against 6 learning outcomes for the program. The learning outcomes and the courses that meet each outcome are listed below.
The certificate will be awarded at a minimum of 18 credits depending on the courses chosen and their respective credit hours. Students may count only one outcome per course, therefore requiring a minimum of 6 courses. In addition to the courses listed below, matriculated students have the option to combine other program requirements such as 504 / 506 / 509 courses or a community-based learning experience to satisfy Learning Outcome 3 for up to 6 credits. An independent study may also be pursued with approval from the program director or other designated faculty.
Learning Outcomes and Corresponding Courses
Outcome 1: Theoretical Frameworks/Ways of Knowing
Identify multiple frameworks and ways of knowing: Students will describe the complex and broad range of theories and perspectives, including non-Western epistemologies/traditions/ways of knowing, that exist in the sustainable food systems movement.
Outcome 2: Power and Privilege
Explain systems of power and privilege in food systems: Students will give examples of how power and privilege affect the contemporary food system.
| ELP 548 | Global Political Ecology | 4 |
| Geog 549 | Geography of Food | 4 |
| Hst 592 | Research in World History: World of Commodities | 4 |
| PHE 522 | Health and Social Inequalities | 3 |
| Soc 510 | Food, Justice, and Social Movements | 4 |
| Soc 579 | Food, Justice, and Social Movements | 4 |
| USP 568 | Oregon Land Use Law | 3 |
| USP 576 | Feeding the City | 4 |
Outcome 3: Community and/or Field-based Learning
Engage in learning in a community based setting: Students will demonstrate knowledge of food systems through a community or field-based experiential learning opportunity. This outcome can be achieved through a relevant course on our course list or through an individual internship (you may only count one internship towards the certificate).
| ELP 510 | Permaculture and Whole Systems Design | 4 |
| ELP 540 | Urban Farm Education: Leveraging Policy and Research to Cultivate Garden-Based Education in Practice | 4 |
Independent study or internship.
Students must get faculty approval and register for
USP 504,
PHE 504,
ELP 506,
PA 509, or other relevant course, to count the field experience toward the certificate.
Outcome 4: Interdisciplinary Linkages
Examine the interdisciplinary and cross-sector nature of contemporary food systems: Students will critically examine the interconnected social, political, economic, and ecological components that influence food systems.
| ELP 540 | Urban Farm Education: Leveraging Policy and Research to Cultivate Garden-Based Education in Practice | 4 |
| ELP 548 | Global Political Ecology | 4 |
| ESM 527 | Watershed Biogeochemistry | 4 |
| Geog 549 | Geography of Food | 4 |
| PA 574 | Food and Agriculture Policy | 3 |
| PHE 510 | Stress, Food, & Health | 4 |
| SySc 513 | Holistic Strategies for Problem Solving | 4 |
| USP 542 | Land Use Implementation | 3 |
| USP 568 | Oregon Land Use Law | 3 |
Outcome 5: Strategies
Evaluate strategies to address food system challenges: Students will critically examine strategies to address food system challenges.
Outcome 6: Elective
Student will select a relevant course for their own learning and professional goals, and to enable specialization. Can be another certificate class, an independent study, an individual internship (though note that you may only count one internship towards the certificate), or a course from the list below:
| PA 525 | Grantwriting for Nonprofit Organizations | 3 |
| PHE 517 | Community Organizing | 3 |
Other ideas? Obtain email confirmation from Certificate Director prior to enrolling.