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.
Dear Bala, congrats on the approval of your course at NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. I remember the photo of the poached pear. You sent it to me as a Christmas card many years ago! Gastronomy is indeed a strong liaison element among people. We had a gastronomic culture experience together eight years ago, and we keep on studying and teaching food and wine culture and science. Maybe, one day, we can develop an international course together.
Big hug!
Dear José,
Thank you!
Yes, I remember sending you the picture of the poached pear and I'm so happy to hear that you remember it!
Agree with what you say, and indeed, how lovely it would be to develop an international course together.
Big Hug!
Bala
Congrats Bala ! Very happy to know about the approval of your course at NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Your picture on cleaning crabs in poondithagal stirs so many happy memories which I had as a child . It was scary and exciting . Looking forward to many more articles from you
Thank you, Malar aunty!
I'll look forward to perhaps hearing about your childhood crab stories one day.
Bala
Very happy to know that you will be teaching a course designed by you at NYU. Best wishes in pursuing your passion in researching and teaching Human elements in gastronomy.
Looking forward to your sharing your joy in your culinary skills and history on food.
Thank you!
And looking forward to hearing your stories of food.
Bala