Program Overview

University of Eastern Finland: Open University Program

The University of Eastern Finland offers an Open University program, providing opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.

Program Details

• Program Name: Food and Culture
• Duration: 23.3.2026 - 7.5.2026
• Credits: 2 ECTS credits
• Location: Kuopio
• Category: Social welfare and health care
• Teaching Format: Contact teaching, Distance teaching
• Price: 40 (VAT 0%)

Content and Learning Outcomes

The program explores food as part of self and cultural identity, rituals and beliefs related to food, and food and social change. Upon completion, students can explain how food reflects culture and social structure, how food is part of identity, and provide examples of anthropological and sociological approaches to food and food habits.

Study Methods

• Lectures: 4 hours
• Practical exercise: 2 hours
• Seminar: 8 hours
• Group work: 25 hours
• Independent study: 15 hours
• Evaluation: Essay, seminar presentation
• Compulsory Attendance: Seminars and exercises

Schedule

• Lectures:
  • 23.03.2026, 10:00 - 16:00 (MS303, Kuopio)
  • 30.03.2026, 10:00 - 11:00 (MS305, Kuopio)
• Exercises:
  • 20.04.2026, 10:00 - 11:00 (MS305, Kuopio)
• Seminar:
  • 07.05.2026, 10:00 - 15:00 (MS305, Kuopio)

Study Materials

• Anderson E.N. Everyone Eats. Understanding Food and Culture. New York, USA: New York University Press, 2014.
• Web-based material

Evaluation and Prerequisites

• Evaluation: Pass/Fail, with a threshold of 50% for passing.
• Prerequisites: Principles of Nutrition or a basic course in nutrition.

Additional Information

• The price listed is for the academic year 20252026.
• Literature acquisition costs and borrowing fees are not included in the tuition fee.
• The length of the study right is determined by the length of the study unit, covering all teaching and exams.