ASIAN 1115

FWS: Asian Tea Cultures: Ecology, Exploitation, Elixir

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2023-2024.

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.

When Offered Fall.

Satisfies Requirement First-Year Writing Seminar.

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