I am excited and grateful that the Food Studies Program and the course approval committee at NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development have accepted my proposal to teach about food and human interaction. This makes me think back to the beginnings of this course.
The question was why does food make me feel good about the people I associate with it. About eight years ago, I explored this question through a thesis and then changed my career path to pursue it further through a course I have been teaching at independent schools. The course explores how food influences human interaction, informed by primary literature in the behavioral sciences and humanities and including historical artifacts from different parts of the world. It is highlighted by each student’s exploration of the central question within the framework of the course but from their perspective and what it means to them.
Writing a short thesis about food and human interaction through a program came to fruition during a conversation with a lady at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris that I visited because of my interest in the works of Julia Child. So, I wonder if it's a coincidence now that I find myself in Pasadena, California living minutes away from the home where Julia Child grew up. If not that, then finding myself working at Polytechnic School where she was a student in the 1920’s.
I'm reminded of countless conversations with people about food. And I'm reminded of how each individual story adds a layer of richness and depth.
I look forward to continuing to listen to your stories.
