FYSP 006 - Power, Politics, and Pastries

FC SSCI WINT

4 credits
German Chocolate Cake. Just three words quickly bring to mind the dizzyingly delightful taste of thick caramel, coconut, and pecan frosting slathered in between layers of cocoa-rich sponge. But while savoring such an indulgence, have you ever wondered what it is that makes this particular combination so “German”? Is it the coconut from Southeast Asia, the pecans from North America, the cocoa from South America? In this seminar, we will trace the genealogies of some common baked goods and their ingredients to uncover the complex histories of labor, culture, and migration hidden within these recipes. As we follow the production and consumption of flour, sugar, butter, and cocoa across time, we will take a critical look at the past and current uses of sweet treats in cultivating regional and national identities and economies.