Though the overall structure of this course remains roughly chronological -- from the moment of Columbian contact (1492) to the present -- individual classes are devoted to the cuisine of particular cities that claim distinctive cuisines and that celebrate their historical character.

By looking at places such as Kyoto, Goa, Charleston, Lyon, San Francisco and so forth it will be possible to identify the social and cultural processes as well as the cultural and economic conditions that have shaped our contemporary food conditions and preoccupations. We will use recent scholarly articles, food blogs, and tourist videos to determine how history shapes our experience of food. Most of the writing required will be brief critical essays on sources about the food culture of these cities that students find for themselves.