Class Description
For centuries, the quest for spice shaped the course of global history. The desire for cinnamon, pepper, and cloves sent merchants and explorers across oceans, connected distant civilizations, and built empires that transformed economies, cultures, and cuisines. This course traces the extraordinary journey of the world’s most coveted flavors, from ancient temples and Indian Ocean ports to the markets of Venice and the ships of the Age of Exploration. Through texts, maps, art, and music, we will explore how something as small as a seed or bark fragment could ignite wars, inspire discovery, and define luxury. Combining lecture and guided discussion, the class invites participants to experience the history of spice through sight, sound, and imagination, discovering how these powerful aromas continue to flavor global culture and remind us of the deep connections that have always bound the world together.
Nina Wieda teaches at Northwestern University. She received her PhD in Russian literature from Northwestern University and an MA in nationalism studies from Central European University.
What to Expect
Format: Virtual
Class Capacity: 30
Class Style: Mix of lecture and discussion; participation encouraged
Materials List
No Required Materials
A Brief Syllabus
- The Fragrance of Origins
- Monsoon Kingdoms
- Venice and the Levant
- Voyages of Desire
- Empires of Flavor
- Legacies of Spice
Cost and Registration
6 Sessions, $270 ($243 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.
We offer our classes at three different price options: Regular ($270), Community Supported ($250), and Sponsor ($290). Following the models of other institutions, we want to ensure that our classes are accessible to a wider audience while continuing to support our instructors. You may choose the price that best fits your situation when registering through Learning Stream.
To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.
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