As Byron wrote in Don Juan, “Since Eve ate apples, much depends on dinner.” Eating together has been a hugely important social activity for many millennia. In fact, it’s one thing that sets us apart from other species. What does the act of eating together teach us about being human? How has food preparation changed over the centuries? The choice between eating out and eating in is largely a matter of privilege, but cheap and simple street food has long been a daily pleasure for millions around the world. 

Since COVID-19 turned our world upside down in so many ways, many suddenly found themselves cooking and eating alone, where previously food had been a shared delight—or an onerous obligation. Technology came riding to the rescue, with Zoom seders and Christmas dinners, takeout and deliveries to the doorstop, cooking classes, and webinars. But has it really filled the gap? How did the loneliness of the locked-down diner (or the enforced 24-hour camaraderie of the “bubble”) affect us over the past couple of years? 

What happened to our eating habits during previous plagues and pandemics? Has restaurant dining changed forever? Will all the home cooks who discovered sourdough and cassoulet during the pandemic keep on baking and cooking from scratch? Will we embrace more nutritious food? Is there any way to predict what the “new normal” will be?

Books to Purchase (will be available at Argo Bookshop during the weeks prior to the course beginning):

• • TBA

Please note that this course has a maximum enrollment of 18 students.

NEW PAYMENT POLICY: Participants must pay the course fees in order to be considered registered for the course. 

For fully registered courses, a waiting list will be created. Should vacancies develop, those on the waiting list will be contacted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note that we do not allow participants to audit courses for free.

Location: Atwater

First Session: Wednesday 18 January 2023

Course Length: 6 weeks, Wednesdays, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Discussion Team: Kathe Lieber, Irene Menear

Degree Credit: 0 credits

Course Fee: 

$120.00 (standard tuition)

$80.00 (promotion for new students)

Administrative Fee:

$25.00

Total:

$145.00 (standard tuition)

$105.00 (promotion for new students)

NEW REFUND POLICY FOR 6-WEEK COURSES: Course fees are refundable in full before the first session. After the first session, a fee of $50 for the withdrawal will be applied. Refunds will not be issued after the second session. Please note that non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal.

Students pursuing studies for credit are encouraged to consult with their advisers as they register for courses.

Course leaders, and students wishing to use credit vouchers, should call (514) 935-9585 to pay by phone or to schedule an appointment to pay in person.