Capstone Proposal!

Hanna Neumann

Spring 2014

Capstone Proposal

Working Title: Bringing Feminism to the Table

Chautauqua county is largely involved with food production and agriculture. As a capstone project, I hope to create a “mock up” magazine, journalistic spread or a brochure. The genre of my writing for this project ideally will consist of various articles created and written by me. I could present this final project not only on campus, but also at the local farmers markets by potentially creating an informational table at these weekly conjunctions. My goal is to immerse myself into the food industry and agricultural culture of Chautauqua county through volunteer work, observation, interviews, etc. and be able to relay what I find (in a gendered perspective) to a larger diverse audience.  

This senior capstone would allow me to explore local food and culture and agriculture in a gendered perspective. This topic can be quite intensive and include many themes. I am currently playing with the idea of having a main theme or various themes that coincide with one another. If I choose to focus on one aspect of local food, some ideas include--- growing, processing, sharing, gardening, hunger/assistance, food deserts, cooks, etc.. Other elements to consider include focusing on ---just looking at women, just at men, farmers, the farmers market, restaurants, food pantries and programs (Rural Ministry in Dunkirk?). I also could create a mix of topics (which I am leaning towards).

A few possible local resources include: the Farmers Market and the Rural Ministry along with  many farms and gardens that surround this area. Some articles that I have been exploring include the following link that should take you to an article about Roo Haven Farm:

http://www.ediblebuffalo.com/magazines/margaret-bruegel-preserving-flavor-one-heritage-breed-at-a-time/.  I also found an older article by anthropologist, Laura B. DeLind, called, "Is this a woman's movement?" that discusses the current food movement as led by women (If women are my focus). Additionally, I have began to order some texts on these topics through interlibrary loan. Some texts that I have already received include: Michael S. Carolan’s Embodied Food Politics and Peggy F. Barlett’s Urban Place: Reconnecting with the Natural World.

This is my proposal and I just sent it out to my hopefully faculty mentor!!! WOOO!