This is an advanced undergraduate seminar that examines the past, present, and future of vegetarianism and veganism, with a focus on five central themes: science, technology, human health, animal welfare, and the environment. Along the way, we will consider many other important issues and contexts as well, such as: factory farming, capitalism, social identities and inequalities associated with gender, race, and class, religious beliefs and practices, high-performance sports, and cultural resources such as documentary films, television programs and music videos. Students will engage in discussions, make class presentations, and carry out original research projects.