HSS 130 - Introduction to Hunger Studies

This course if offered every Spring, and fulfills General Education requirement for Social Science.  The purpose of this course is to provide students an opportunity to learn about the problem of hunger from a multidisciplinary perspective. Students will be exposed to information about the causes of hunger as well as to the research on the effects of hunger in populations at risk.  Further, the course will require that students develop skills to critically assess and analyze the problem of hunger.  Finally, students will be challenged through practical experience as well as through theoretical discussions to evaluate existing strategies used in the fight against hunger and to develop their own strategies for ending hunger in America.   

 

URI 101 - Feinstein Enriching America Program
Since 1996, University freshman have participated in a 1 credit course: URI 101/Feinstein Enriching America Program.  This course, traditionally structured to orient students to the University, places a special emphasis on the importance of community service.  Starting in the Fall of 2000, hunger issues were placed at the forefront of the course curriculum to encourage students to become life-long advocates for fighting hunger.   Students will be encouraged to volunteer their time at hunger related entities to fulfill their community service course requirements. 

 

Interdisciplinary Field Experience & Seminar in Food, Hunger and Nutrition

 

 

PSY489/ HSS470 - 3 Credit Course (Spring of 2006)

Participation in a community-based research or outreach project with populations living in poverty plus interdisciplinary seminar facilitated by faculty and staff in the URI Partnership in Food, Hunger and Nutrition (will meet 3 hours 4 times during the semester, day and time to be determined). 

Service learning participation will provide students from various disciplines with coordinated opportunities to work together on research or in the provision of services to low-income Rhode Islanders.

HPR 201 - Food and Human Rights: Hunger and Social Policy (Fall 2004)

The paradox of hunger in a world that is rich with food and food sources has gotten scant attention in the recent past. To focus on this paradox, the Fall 2004 University of Rhode Island Honors Colloquium will explore the following questions:

• What is the meaning of food and what role does food play in our lives: culturally, ethnically, spiritually?

• What is the experience of those facing hunger and food insecurity? 
• What are the causes that contribute to large percentages of children experiencing hunger and food insecurity and why are these numbers growing? 
• How do political and economic decisions, personal perceptions, and religious mandates affect those experiencing hunger in the U.S. and worldwide? 
• What is the current response to hunger and why has it failed? 
• Whose responsibility is it to end hunger? 
• Is there, or should there be, a right to eat?

 

PSC 375/ Advocacy and Social Policy (Spring 2004)

The class was designed to provide students with hands-on experience in the legislative process.  Students are exposed to background information in a platform of issues, trained in some basic organizing skills, and provided with opportunities to use these skills.  The platform content is focused on basic needs for low-income Rhode Islanders.  Substantive background on these core issues and the policies currently in place that address these issues is provided.  The skills and experiences, while focused specifically on these issues, are  applicable to any issues so that students who complete this course will be knowledgeable about the advocacy process in general and hence, able to use these skills regardless of the issue.

Anti-Hunger Leadership Training Program

Certificate Program offered through Feinstein CCE, on a intermittent basis.

Purpose: to build the capacities of the anti-hunger movement in Rhode Island by providing training to anti-hunger leaders and advocates.  These trainings will provide participants with the necessary background and skills to strengthen efforts to solve the problems of hunger in RI.

Target Audience:  advocates, volunteers, or paid staff interested in and/or currently working with populations experiencing hunger and food insecurity

Requirements:  The Leadership Training is comprised of 8 seminar sessions in the evenings over a 10-week period.  Class sessions are approximately 3 hours in duration.  In order to complete the certificate program, attendance is mandatory for all sessions (up to one session may be made up with permission from the instructor).  Participants will be required to read the provided materials, and engage in assigned activities on a weekly basis.  The certificate will be awarded upon receipt of a final project in writing.