What is the purpose of the class?
I head up the Consumer Sciences program here at Cal State Northridge. This course is required of food science, family and consumer sciences education and is an elective for consumer affairs students.
The purpose of the class is to teach students to evaluate products. They perform product tests, some I have created and are specifif to this lab and some are standard industry tests such as that used by Consumer Union the testing arm of Consumer Reports and some are ASTM tests used in industry.
Students also learn a great deal about consumer protection such as the Consumer Products Safety Commission and DOE energy standarts. They also learn about industry marketing techniques and self regulation. I also have them do stealth activities such as searching the web for product specifid buzz and chat and occassionally they do secret shopping activities. I do a lot of consulting work for the industry such as evaluating sales training, maarketing strategies for high-end manufactureres and act as an expert witness on occassion for high profile incidents. All of these experiences create a rich teaching environment for the students. Over the years I have placed students in almost all major manufacturers test kitchens or in their sales force.
The lab is supported by industry. There are products from Miele, DACOR, SubZero, Thermador, Bosch, Gagganau, Fisher & Paykel, Wolf, Jade, and others.
Some other topics in the class include basic kitchen design for both residential and commercial settings. We also spend a great deal of time on electricity, motors, and controls.
If you are ever in the Los Angeles area, let me know I would love to arrange a tour.
