- Docente: Luca Falasconi
- Credits: 2
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Dietistic (cod. 8470)
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from Oct 01, 2025 to Nov 05, 2025
Learning outcomes
Evolution of food consumption patterns and consumer behavior; role played by the qualitative and health aspects in the context of food choices.
Course contents
Introduction
- Geopolitics of diets
First module: policies and governance of the agro-food system
- The Common Agricultural Policy: rationale, phases and evolution
- Agri-food policies in Europe: Who decides? Governance and functioning of the trilogue
- The European Union and the world: dialogue and controversies through the WTO
- Local and urban food policies: case studies
- Critical consumption: SCMOs and Alternative Food Networks
- Food deserts and food justice
Second Module: competition for natural resources and impact of the agro-food system
- Agricultural production and environmental impacts
- Food System Environmental impacts and the nine planetary boundaries
- Food system impacts and competition for natural resources (case studies)
Readings/Bibliography
During the course the teacher will upload specific didactic material online, to be integrated to the notes taken during the lessons.
For further bibliographical references, the following reference texts are recommended:
Suggested books
Segrè A., Policies for agricultural development and food security, Carocci editore, Rome, 2008.
Lang T. and Heasman M. Food Wars, Earthscan, London, 2004.
Alkon A. and Agyeman J. Cultivating Food Justice. Race, Class and Sustainability, MIT press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2011.
Scientific articles
During the course articles, reports and supplementary texts will be illustrated and proposed.
Teaching methods
Lectures, seminars.
Assessment methods
The knowledge and skills acquired through the course are assessed solely through a final exam, consisting of an oral test lasting approximately 20 minutes, focused on the course content and the indicated bibliography.
In addition to the knowledge acquired, the evaluation will consider analytical skills, clarity of expression, mastery of specific terminology, and the logical ability to connect topics. The maximum achievable score is 30 with honors. The exam is considered passed with a minimum score of 18/30.
Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.
Teaching tools
All the lessons are carried out with the support of PPT presentation.
Office hours
See the website of Luca Falasconi
SDGs




This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.