San Jos� State University
Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Packaging

NuFS139: Hunger and Environmental Nutrition

Fall 2012 – Section 9

Instructor:

Deepa M. Singamsetti MS RD

Office Location:

Central Classroom Building Room 109

Telephone:

(408) 924-3107 *best to email me!! This is a shared phone line with a couple of other instructors and I am only on campus twice a week.

Email:

deepa.singamsetti@sjsu.edu

Office Hours:

Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30am-10:15am CCB 109

Class Days/Time:

Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30am-11:45am

Classroom:

Boccardo Business Center 201

Prerequisites/Corequisites:

Satisfaction of Writing Skills Test (WST), Upper-division

standing, Completion of Core GE (3 units), completion or

co-registration in 100W Writing Workshop.

 

GE/SJSU Studies Category:

This course satisfies the Earth and Environment category

(Area R) for Advanced General Education

Faculty Web Page and MYSJSU Messaging

Copies of the course materials such as the syllabus, major assignment handouts, etc. may be found on D2L (Desire to Learn). Limited info can also be accessed through my faculty web page at http://www.sjsu.edu/people/deepa.singamsetti or accessible through the Quick Links>Faculty Web Page links on the SJSU home page. You are responsible for regularly checking with the messaging system through MySJSU (or other communication system as indicated by the instructor).

Course Description

The physiology of hunger/malnutrition on human development and health; political,

social, cultural, and gender factors that contribute to world hunger;

scientific/technological foundations of population research and food production and their

effect on the environment (3 hours lecture/discussion).  3 units.

Course Goals and Student Learning Objectives

For students who begin continuous enrollment Fall 2005 or later, courses used to satisfy Areas R, S, and V must be taken from three separate SJSU departments or other distinct academic units. (suspended for Fall 2012)

This course satisfies the Earth and Environment category (Area R) for Advanced General

Education that includes the following goals:

 

A student should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the methods and

limits of scientific investigation

A student should be able to distinguish science from pseudo-science. 

A student should be able to apply a scientific approach to testing and evaluating

solutions for alleviating malnutrition. 

 

GE/SJSU Studies Learning Outcomes (LO),

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Describe the physiological effects of malnutrition throughout the lifespan. [LO1]

2. Describe basic biogeochemical and nutrient cycles that are the foundation of food

production. [LO 1]

3. Describe the ecological approach to population research and the environment. [LO

1 & 3]

4. Describe the state of the world�s environment and its relationship to population

growth and food systems. [LO3]

5. Describe scientific and technical advances that have increased the world food

supply. [LO3]

6. Relate political/social/cultural/gender factors that affect the incidence of

malnutrition. [LO1]

7. Describe scientific methodology and research design, plus their limitation, used by

nutrition, population, and environmental and food scientists. [LO 1 & 3]

8. Apply a scientific approach to critically evaluate primary research articles and

identify the limitations of scientific investigation in studies involving the

environment, food systems, and/or the physiology of malnutrition. [LO 1, 2, & 3]

9. Critically evaluate the credibility of current information on population, environment,

food systems and malnutrition using the scientific thought process. [LO 1, 2, & 3]

10. Apply and improve upon the basic skills of reading, writing, mathematics, speaking,

critical thinking and scientific research learned in Core GE courses. [LO 1, 2, &3]

Required Texts/Readings

Textbook – none required

 

Other Readings

Readings are posted on D2L (Desire to Learn)

Classroom Protocol

You are expected to attend all lectures and to complete all assignments.  If you miss more

than two deadlines, you will be dropped from the class. Students caught cheating will be

dropped from the class with a grade of F.

 

 

If you choose to withdraw from the class, it is your responsibility to drop the class before the drop date.

Dropping and Adding

Students are responsible for understanding the policies and procedures about add/drop, grade forgiveness, etc.  Refer to the current semester�s Catalog Policies section at http://info.sjsu.edu/static/catalog/policies.html.  Add/drop deadlines can be found on the current academic calendar web page located at http://www.sjsu.edu/academic_programs/calendars/academic_calendar/.  The Late Drop Policy is available at http://www.sjsu.edu/aars/policies/latedrops/policy/. Students should be aware of the current deadlines and penalties for dropping classes.

 

Information about the latest changes and news is available at the Advising Hub at http://www.sjsu.edu/advising/.

 

Library Liaison

 

Emily Chan
Academic Liaison Librarian @ MLK Jr. Library
Phone: 408-808-2044
E-mail: Emily.chan@sjsu.edu

 

Assignments and Grading Policy

Assignments:

 

Interpretation of a Research Article- 25 points

Students will be able to apply a scientific approach to critically evaluate a primary research article and identify the limitations of scientific investigation in the study.  The students will be provided a scientific research article and questions to assist in critical analysis.  Grading will be based on student�s ability to interpret and answer questions provided.  Assignment needs to be typewritten 3-4 pages double spaced.

 

Plotting and Interpretation of Population Pyramids- 25 points.

Students will be provided with 2000 data from the U.S Census Bureau and World Reference Bureau for two countries, USA and Somalia.  Students will also be provided with several questions to help interpret population data and plot pyramids for the countries USA and Somalia for years 2000 and 2025.  Through the assignment, the students will also have an opportunity to:  1) Construct some population pyramids that show the age distribution for a given population.

2) Examine population pyramid patterns for three different countries and analyze environmental and /or policy issues within the countries that might create these patterns. 3) Examine data other than simple population figures that can influence the impact of a given population on resources and the environment. Assignment needs to be handwritten or typewritten 1-2 pages double spaced.  Graph paper provided for plotting of population pyramids.

 

 

 

Calculate your Carbon Footprint – 25 points

Students will be able to calculate their carbon footprint using the website www.myfootprint.org. Each student will take the quiz on the website and answer questions about their individual consumption patterns. Students are asked to identify areas of consumption that create the largest carbon footprint and think of ways to reduce it. Assignment needs to be typewritten minimum 2 pages double spaced. Each student will also turn in the results of their footprint quiz along with additional information to be detailed on the assignment instructions sheet.

 

Hunger Organization Presentation – 25 points

In groups, you will have an opportunity to orally present about an organization which has at its focus helping to alleviate hunger issues. Most of these organizations will be international, some domestic. You will work together to present the organizations� mission/goal, their areas of focus, history, accomplishments,etc.

 

Community Service Learning: 100 points (written report 40 points, documentation of  a minimum of 12 hours volunteer work 60 points)

The primary objective of this assignment is to involve students in a community based activity that relates to the hunger issues they will read about and will be discussed in class.  Service Learning helps students make real the issues that involve our community and apply scientific knowledge to understand physiological effects of hunger on malnutrition and health.  This paper must have a journal entry for each time the student visits the agency.  The student may go for orientation, training or volunteering.  Each time the student visits he/she must explain their experiences, jobs done and how they contributed to the mission of the agency.  There must be a reflection portion of the paper for each visit to the agency.  It is important that the student write at least 1 paragraph of reflection for each visit to the agency to volunteer. The written report should be 3-4 pages long and will be graded based on quality of writing: grammar, spelling, topic organization and other criteria. 

 

Research Paper (100 points) Write a 4-5-page research paper on an issue that impacts

domestic or global hunger, malnutrition and/or poverty. The paper must be supported

by research data from the literature (including a minimum of 4 primary research articles). A list of topics and additional details will be provided.  Paper needs to be submitted online to D2L dropbox as well as hardcopy in class. Staple the first page of each primary research article to the back of your paper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Course Grading:

 

Grading Percentage Breakdown

94% and above

A

93% - 90%

A-

89% - 87%

B+

86% - 84%

B

83% - 80%

B-

79% - 77%

C+

76% - 74%

C

73% - 70%

C-

69% - 67%

D+

66% - 64%

D

63% - 60%

D-

below 60%

F

 

Basis For Course Grade:

Exam 1                                                           100 pts.

Exam 2                                                           100 pts.

Exam 3                                                           100 pts

Community Project Paper **                      100 pts. (3-4 pages)

Research Paper **                                        100 pts. (4-5 pages & reference page)

Assignments (4 Assignments)**                  100 pts. (25 pts each)  

 

 

TOTAL                                                          600 pts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evaluation criteria for assignments:

Out-of-class projects and assignments must be type written, stapled and include

your name and section number.  Please type double-spaced using a 12-point font

with 1-inch margins.  

No attachments are accepted via email.  You may deliver late papers to the

Nutrition, Food Science and Packaging Office CCB 200.  Please stamp date on

assignment prior to placing in my folder. All papers must be submitted ON-TIME.

Late assignments will be accepted only with instructor approval prior to the due date. Points will be deducted from late assignments at the instructor�s discretion. Instructor will not accept late assignments after said assignment has already been graded and distributed back to the class.

University Policies

Academic integrity

Your commitment as a student to learning is evidenced by your enrollment at San Jose State University.  The University�s Academic Integrity policy, located at http://www.sjsu.edu/senate/S07-2.htm, requires you to be honest in all your academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development. The Student Conduct and Ethical Development website is available at http://www.sa.sjsu.edu/judicial_affairs/index.html.

Instances of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Cheating on exams or plagiarism (presenting the work of another as your own, or the use of another person�s ideas without giving proper credit) will result in a failing grade and sanctions by the University. For this class, all assignments are to be completed by the individual student unless otherwise specified. If you would like to include your assignment or any material you have submitted, or plan to submit for another class, please note that SJSU�s Academic Policy S07-2 requires approval of instructors.

Campus Policy in Compliance with the American Disabilities Act

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need to make special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Presidential Directive 97-03 requires that students with disabilities requesting accommodations must register with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at http://www.drc.sjsu.edu/ to establish a record of their disability.

Student Technology Resources

Computer labs for student use are available in the Academic Success Center located on the 1st floor of Clark Hall and on the 2nd floor of the Student Union. Additional computer labs may be available in your department/college. Computers are also available in the Martin Luther King Library.

A wide variety of audio-visual equipment is available for student checkout from Media Services located in IRC 112. These items include digital and VHS camcorders, VHS and Beta video players, 16 mm, slide, overhead, DVD, CD, and audiotape players, sound systems, wireless microphones, projection screens and monitors.

Learning Assistance Resource Center

The Learning Assistance Resource Center (LARC) is located in Room 600 in the Student Services Center. It is designed to assist students in the development of their full academic potential and to inspire them to become independent learners. The Center's tutors are trained and nationally certified by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). They provide content-based tutoring in many lower division courses (some upper division) as well as writing and study skills assistance. Small group, individual, and drop-in tutoring are available. Please visit the LARC website for more information (http://www.sjsu.edu/larc/).

SJSU Writing Center

The SJSU Writing Center is located in Room 126 in Clark Hall.  It is staffed by professional instructors and upper-division or graduate-level writing specialists from each of the seven SJSU colleges. Our writing specialists have met a rigorous GPA requirement, and they are well trained to assist all students at all levels within all disciplines to become better writers. The Writing Center website is located at http://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/about/staff/.

Peer Mentor Center

The Peer Mentor Center is located on the 1st floor of Clark Hall in the Academic Success Center. The Peer Mentor Center is staffed with Peer Mentors who excel in helping students manage university life, tackling problems that range from academic challenges to interpersonal struggles. On the road to graduation, Peer Mentors are navigators, offering �roadside assistance� to peers who feel a bit lost or simply need help mapping out the locations of campus resources. Peer Mentor services are free and available on a drop –in basis, no reservation required. The Peer Mentor Center website is located at http://www.sjsu.edu/muse/peermentor/


NuFS139, Fall 2012, Course Schedule

 

This schedule is subject to change with fair notice which is to be provided via D2L and/or announcement in class.

 

Day

Lecture Topics

(V=Video, L=Lecture Topic, H=Handout, A=Article, I: Internet Link)

Deadlines

1

8/23

Course Introduction

 

 

2

8/28

V: One Common Need (45 min) +15 min discussion

I: Hunger Facts: International

I: What the World Eats – TIME Photo Essay

*Discuss expectations for Community Service Assignment

 

 

3

8/30

L: Nutrient Needs

 

 

 

4

9/4

L: Nutrient Needs

*Hunger Organization assignment explained (form groups)

 

5

9/6

V: Ending Hidden Hunger (20 min +15 min discussion)

L: Malnutrition (start) (20 min)

A: Fighting Hunger with Micronutrient Fortification

A: Addressing Micronutrient Malnutrition

A: Official Position Paper of ADA on World Hunger

*Locations for community service projects due.

6

9/11

L: Malnutrition (75 min)

 

A: Lancet Nutrition Executive Summary on Maternal and Child Nutrition

 

7

9/13

L: Malnutrition (finish)/Who is Hungry?/Hunger Obesity Paradox

 

A: Hunger/Obesity Paradox

I: USDA Food Atlas

 

8

9/18

 

L: The Domestic Response to Hunger

 

 

9

9/20

V: Gender Matters

L: Gender Issues

*end of lecture material for  Exam #1

I: Women�s Leadership and the Future of Africa

I: The Woman�s Crusade

 

 

10

9/25

Midterm #1

(Scantron T&E 200 + #2 pencil)

 

 

11

9/27

 

 

V: Ancel Keys Video (20 min)

L: Scientific Method/Pseudoscience/Discuss Interpreting a Research Article assignment expectations

I: They Starved So That Others Be Better Fed

 

 

12

10/2

L: Guest Speaker-Emily Chan- Library Liaison

Discuss research paper expectations

Read article for Interpreting a Research Article (biscuit article) assignment before class on 10/4

 

13

10/4

Interpreting a Research Article Assignment – to be done in groups in class (*bring article with you as well as assignment)

 

14

10/9

L: Ecosystem & Biogeochemical Cycles

L: Food Systems (start)

A: Nutrient Cycles

A: The Water Cycle

 

Interpreting a Research Article assignment due

 

15

10/11

L: Food Systems (cont�d)

L:Food Production/availability/global/local

Discuss expectations for Carbon Footprint Assignment

 

 

16

10/16

 

L: Foreign Aid

V:Buyer be Fair

A:The Right to Food

A: 50 Years of Food Aid

A: Food Aid to Save and Improve Lives

 

 

17

10/18

 

L: World Food Supply

V: Millenium Development Goals

A:Crop Prospects and Food Situation

 

18

10/23

 

Exam #2

(Scantron T&E 200 + #2 Pencil)

 

19

10/25

V: 6 Billion and Beyond

 

20

10/30

L: Population

I: Population Growth over Human History

A: One Child Policy in China

A: Feeding the Cities

 

Research Papers Due

21

11/1

V: Food Inc.

 

22

11/6

Time to work and finalize your group presentations

Email me ppt presentations by 11/6 11:59pm

23

11/8

Group Presentations

 

24

11/13

In Class Assignment: Population Pyramids

*you will work in groups of 4 for this assignment

Population Assignment due

25

11/15

 

L: AIDS/HIV

V: Rx for Survival (AIDS in Botswana)

I: AIDS and Food Security

 

 

26

11/20

L: Environmental Factors

L: Global Warming

 

 

11/22

Happy Thanksgiving! NO CLASS!

 

27

11/27

 

 

28

11/29

L: Sustainable Farming, Organic Farming, Farm to School

V: My Father�s Garden

A: Sustaimable Agriculture

 

 

L:Integrated Pest Management/Vegetarianism

Carbon Footprint Assignment Due

29

12/4

 

L: Biodiversity/BioInvasion/Biotechnology

 

 

30

12/6

V: Harvest of Fear

*Community Service Papers due

 

 

 

 

 

5/21

Final Exam : covers only last 1/3 of class material

9:45AM –MONDAY DEC 17th

Location TBD

 

Last Modified: Feb 22, 2023