Spain

FRANCE:  SPRING 3-WEEK; APRIL-MAY, 2023

The Faculty

Colin Anderson, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Director of Hiram Connect, George and Arlene Foote Chair in Ethics and Values

Ella Kirk, Professor of French and Associate Dean

The Course(s)

PHIL/FREN:  The Ethics and Culture of Food Prequel (1 credit hour during Spring 12-week session, 2023)

INTD:  The Ethics and Culture of Food (3 credit hours during Spring 3-week session, 2023)

Cultural Immersion

Food is at the center of human existence – and a hot topic in the age of the “eat local” movement and celebrity chefs. On this study abroad program, immerse yourself in French culture, with food at the cornerstone. The program will examine food within the context of French culture, while you analyze your own practices and intuitions about food.

Through travels, regular reflection about your own relationship with food and comparison to the French culture, required readings and journaling, you will gain an interdisciplinary understanding of the ethics and culture of food: the values that intersect in our food choices, the ethical questions that arise from balancing or trading off among these values and the cultural and social factors that have affected food trends and traditions.

The Itinerary

Explore three regions of France over a course of three weeks.

Paris: The journey begins in Paris, the renowned capital of gastronomy and fine living. Explore traditional and ethnic outdoor markets, dine in bistros and cafes that specialize in artisanal foods, visit Rungis,

the French national center of food distribution, and picnic near Paris landmarks: on the vast lawns near the Eiffel Tower and in the gardens of Versailles.

Southern France: What is the Mediterranean diet, and what makes it so good for you? Find out while visiting olive groves, feasting on regional delicacies and exploring vineyards. You will learn about the concept of “terroir” and meet with local farmers who engage in GMO-free and organic agricultural practices.

Brittany: Discover how the French eat and live in their own homes by spending a week with a host family who will show you the best of the region. With the group, visit a dairy farm, an agricultural co-op, a field-to-oven artisanal bread maker and Mont St. Michel to experience the world famous “pré salé lamb” and “galettes.”

Trip Prerequisites/Requirements

Knowledge of French is not required, but appreciated. French 101 and 102 are recommended to enhance the experience.

Participants must attend three orientation sessions: one on travel logistics and the remaining two on cultural topics that will be relevant to travels in France.

Students are responsible for obtaining a passport, passport fees and personal expenses.

Program Details

• Estimated Costs:  $4,800 above tuition, room and board.  Costs include round trip airfare, housing, meals, entrance fees and tips.  Personal expenses, passport fees, and independent travel are not included.
• Application Deadline: October 8, 2022; A $75 non-refundable fee is due upon receipt of your application.  This fee is used to pay for processing costs, an International Student Identity Card, passport holder, and luggage tags.