The Purpose of the Course is to understand how these elements shape civilizations and affect societies by considering human history from the perspective of food and beverages. During this course, topics such as the food habits of different cultures, the development of agriculture, trade routes and technological innovations will be examined. It will also be discovered that food is more than just a physical need, it plays a cultural, social and economic role.

This course examines the historical effects of food and beverages on civilizations. The process that started with humanity's transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture will be discussed from a broad perspective, from the nutritional habits of the first civilizations to the cuisines of ancient Greece and Rome. The effects of food and beverages on trade, culture and society from the Middle Ages to the Islamic world, from the Age of Discovery to the industrial revolution will be discussed. In modern times, fast food culture, organic food movement and food safety issues will be emphasized. The course covers topics such as the role of food in religious rituals, power and control of food, and the history and cultural influences of beverages. Additionally, the history of nutritional science and the effects of food on health will also be examined. Students will understand the economic and political dimensions of food and gain knowledge about the sustainability of food systems. Finally, general evaluations and discussions will be made on the future of food and beverages.