Course Spotlight- History of Wine
METML 632 A1, History of Wine will be taught by instructor Jacquelyn Groeper, CSW on Tuesday nights from 6:00 PM – 8:45 PM.
In this course we explore the long and complex role wine has played in the history of human civilization. We survey significant developments in the production, distribution, consumption and cultural uses of grape-based alcoholic beverages in the West. We study the economic impact of wine production and consumption from the ancient Near East through the Roman Empire, Europe in the Middle Ages and especially wine’s significance in the modern and contemporary world. Particular focus is on wine as a religious symbol, a symbol of status, an object of trade and a consumer beverage in the last few hundred years.
More about the class from Jacquelyn:
“Wine is not just a beverage. Its pre-historical evolution throughout Western Civilization has influenced history, culture, politics, agriculture, science… This is what I find intriguing about wine. It is a natural product that first fascinated, then became a necessity, until ultimately impacting all facets of society. As we explore this 8,000 year history, we will also taste different styles of wine to understand how and why they developed. We will examine ways in which contemporary issues such as climate change, politics, and labor arrangements are influencing the production of wine today. Overall, when students understand the intricacies of the history of wine, as is similar with food, I believe there is more of an appreciation for all it brings to the table.”