May 18 – June 24, 2023
Program Costs: $3,281
Join Clemson University’s Dean Dr. Leslie Hossfeld this summer in sunny Italy to study and experience the sociology of food. The 5-week program is hosted by the Umbra Institute in Perugia, Italy.
Throughout the program, students will apply a sociological perspective to understand the reproduction of social inequality through food production, consumption, and distribution. Students will be able to explain and apply sociological concepts and frameworks to the study of food and food systems, will be able to apply major concepts and theories to examine food at the individual and societal levels, and will learn to evaluate factors that lead to inequalities in health and wellbeing due to social structures shaping the food system. Students will have hands-on experiences throughout their trip, including a chocolate workshop, a cooking class, market observations, and a visit to our urban community garden.
Dr. Leslie Hossfeld is trained in Rural Sociology from North Carolina State University. She has extensive experience examining rural poverty and economic restructuring and has made two presentations to the United States Congress and one to the North Carolina Legislature on job loss and rural economic decline. From 2006-201, Hossfeld co-founded and directed a 6-county food system initiative in Southeastern North Carolina focused on assisting socially disadvantaged farmers build their farm businesses and enhance economic development through local food buying system that included creating a USDA designated food hub. Hossfeld was founding Director of the Mississippi Food Insecurity Project and serves on the USDA Southern Extension Research Activity project to strengthen local and regional food needs and priorities in 13 Southern region states. Her current research focuses on multi-disciplinary strategies and collaborative partnerships to understand and alleviate persistent poverty in the Southeast, working to link US local food systems research and initiatives to nutrition, malnutrition (obesity), health outcomes and health disparities, to develop policy coherence linking health and agriculture policy. Dr. Hossfeld is Professor of Sociology and Dean of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences at Clemson University.
Each semester, Clemson University students take advantage of the Umbra Institute’s beautiful location in historic Perugia, Italy. The close partnership between Clemson and Umbra allows students to complete courses, taught in English, that count toward their degree. Courses are designed to use Perugia as a classroom and to give students ample time to travel elsewhere in Italy and Europe.
Apply through ClemsonAll apartments are located walking distance from the Institute and the city’s many events and amenities. With panoramic views abound, the city invites exploration & discovery around every corner.
Apartments are fully equipped (WiFi included!) making it easy for you and your friends to plan a dinner in or to catch your next train or plane out of town, and explore pizzerias, trattorias, or coffee bars.
Being a university city, Perugia hosts events throughout the year—from Eurochocolate to the Umbria Jazz Festival. Whether attending one of Umbra’s workshops (ex. Travel Workshop) or events (ex. Wine Tasting), there is always something to do!
Visit Museums
Explore the Local Culture
Live Like a Local