ASIAN 1115

FWS: Asian Tea Cultures: Ecology, Exploitation, Elixir

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2023-2024 Catalog. Courses of Study 2023-2024 is scheduled to publish mid-June.

We explore the proliferation of the cultivation of the tea plant (Camelia Sinensis) in South and East Asia as a lens for understanding ecological degradation through monoculture, labor exploitation in the tea plantations, and the rise of tea as both a deeply cultural and religious beverage and a commodity in capitalist expansion. We write about botanical specimens, tea objects, non-literary historical artifacts, primary sources on tea, arguments in critical humanities, and experience of tea in different preparations and ritual or social contexts. Classes always include informal writing and a chance to experience different tea preparation. We attend a Japanese tea ceremony and also learn the history and methods of different tea recipes such as chai. Students will emerge as confident writers and educated tea connoisseurs.

Last 4 Terms Offered (None)

When Offered Fall.

Satisfies Requirement First-Year Writing Seminar.

View Enrollment Information