CUL 305 Alcohol: Global History & Culture

This course will study the major types of alcohol and alcohol-producing regions of the world to understand them from both a culinary and geo-political perspective. To that end, the curriculum will emphasize both the flavors of the products and the historical, economic, and political context in which they were and are produced and consumed. More specifically, for each region we’ll examine the interaction between terroir, climate, and agricultural capabilities and how together they determine the past, present and future cultivation of ingredients, other local crops, foodways and drinking formats. In other words, we’ll answer the questions, “What does it mean to say, ‘If it grows together, it goes together?’” and “What will climate change do to the continued existence of this product and what sorts of developments will need to occur to allow it to survive?” Additionally, the course, rich in socio-cultural meaning, will pair these teachings with explorations of the historical, political, economic, and human forces that shaped each drink, including labor and trade, drinking occasions, target consumers, marketing, rituals, and myths that surround it, availability in the US, regional varieties, and laws governing production and sale (including protected geographical indications). Students will draw from readings and videotaped lessons and live demonstrations from diverse subject matter experts.