Trips

Far more than a flat surface upon which to dine, the kitchen table can be the heartbeat of a family. It’s a place to gather, to talk and to reconnect. But what, exactly, is it that makes the kitchen table so important to the family? This and other topics related to the relationship Americans have with food and food culture will be covered as part of this interdisciplinary tour of Los Angeles and New York City. For two days we will explore a few local hot spots for inspiration, gain basic knowledge about the food industry, and learn some basic cooking techniques and science of food in order to prepare us for our travels. Upon arriving in NYC, we will experience both a fried chicken throwdown and a pizza throw down, explore Chelsea Market and Chinatown, take an afternoon exploring the MET, and soaking in the foodie culture that is quintessential to NYC. Through these experiences, we will learn about entrepreneurs who came from nothing, to become food legends. We will research the history of food trends, farming and milling practices, and see those represented in various eating experiences around NYC. And finally, we will eat some pretty amazing food. Come hungry. Students should be ready to enjoy a variety of foods, and be ready to taste without limits!

Decades ago, a struggle for equality ensued. With our constitutional and legal rights up for grabs, African Americans sought what white Americans already enjoyed. Equal rights to those of whites that included opportunities in employment, housing, education, as well as the right to vote were most important. Rooted in the Southern United States, many have quipped, “The Civil Rights Movement is the Second Reconstruction Movement.” Journey with us as we trace parts of this important movement in our history and travel to parts of the south. We will understand what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. fought and died for in Memphis, Tennessee and walk the bridge that will forever have a place in history, The Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. There is much history in the south and we want you to understand it fully by experiencing it. Moreover, the connection is not just historical, it is literary as well. Learn which writers emerged from the Civil Rights Movement and how this movement influenced their writing.