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Society, Food Habits and Consumption
UndergraduateLTU-DTN3022025
Unwrap the rich relationship people have with food and what influences food use, choice and preferences. Learn how the role of food has transformed in society. Understand why people are impacted by trends, and need to know where their food comes from.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 25 May 2025
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 2 June 2025,
- 1 Dec 2025
- Price from
- $1,164
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Society, Food Habits and Consumption
About this subject
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the history and future of food, both from a worldwide and Australian perspective.
- Analyse and communicate the impact of sociological factors on the food choices of individuals, groups, communities, populations, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Discuss the socio-cultural influences on food habits, food behaviour, and consumption trends.
- Assess the influences of food policy, food technology, ecology and agriculture on Australian and worldwide food systems.
- History and Future of Food
- Sociological Factors Affecting Food Choice
- Food Security
- Food Consumption
- Food Production and Technology
- Food Regulations and Marketing
In this subject you will develop an informed understanding of the many factors influencing food, food use and food habits for individuals, communities and populations. These will include personal, social, cultural, environmental, economic and political factors. Through readings and media, discussion and assignments, you will review cuisines from a variety of cultures. An understanding of how the role of food has changed from ancient times to present day will be developed, and you will be introduced to factors influencing patterns and trends in food consumption worldwide.
- One 1200 word individual written media article on changes in food habits in your family. (30%)
- One infographic (1000 word equivalent). (25%)
- One 1600 word individual report. (45%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- LAT-HUN-DEG-2025 - Bachelor of Food and Nutrition
Others
Prerequisites: Students must be admitted in the following course: HBFN
Past La Trobe University students who have previously completed DTN2FSO (Food and Societies), or DTN3FSO (Food and Societies), or DTN3001 (Food and Societies) are ineligible to enrol in this subject.
Additional requirements
- Other requirements - A good internet connection is required due to the online delivery.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Student feedback
11 student respondents between 19 Aug 2024 - 14 Mar 2025.
90%of students felt the study load was manageable
100%of students felt this subject helped them gain relevant skills
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of Food and Nutrition
UndergraduateLAT-HUN-DEG