Global Food Cultures: Mexico
Location: Puebla, Mexico
Tentative Dates: December 30, 2012 - January 12, 2013
This Master’s level course explores the food and foodways of the culturally and historically rich culinary landscape of Mexico. In the city of Puebla, which is considered to be the birthplace of modern Mexican cuisine, students will be fully immersed in traditional Mexican culinary and nutritional practices through classroom instruction, guest lectures, cooking classes, and a wide variety of field trips to markets, local farms, restaurants, and production sites. Upper level undergraduates who have taken previous course work on food studies may participate pending approval from the faculty.
Course Objectives:
- To explore the relationship between food and identity through an examination of Mexico’s culinary history;
- To identify and understand the foods, spices, beverages, and preparatory techniques that constitute the rich and diverse Mexican cuisine;
- To examine the implications of social and economic changes on contemporary diet and nutrition;
- To investigate the role that food plays in the construction of Mexican American identity in the U.S.
Puebla is located in central Mexico, two hours by bus from Mexico City. It is one of the safest cities in Mexico and has remained largely unaffected by narcotics-related violence.
Graduate students are encouraged to apply for this program. Qualified upper-level undergraduates (seniors with 96+ earned credits only) with related course work may be considered and will require approval from the faculty director as well as their advisor.
Courses
FOOD-GE 2252.095 - Global Food Cultures: Mexico (4 Points)
Course Syllabus & Schedule: 2010 Course Itinerary
Offered through Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health
*2012 participants will be visiting Tlaxcala, Mexico and are encouraged to read this recent article in the New York Times
Faculty
Amy Bentley, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health
Accommodations
Students will stay in a hotel in downtown Puebla arranged by our office.
Your accommodation arrangements are included in your Housing and Activity Fees.
Group accomodations begin on December 20th and end the morning of January 12.
Costs
2012 Graduate Tuition: $1314 per point plus registration and services fees
If an undergraduate participant enrolls in an undergraduate course number, his/her tuition will reflect the current undergraduate cost per point. 2012 Undergraduate Tuition: $1159 per point plus registration and services fees.
This course counts toward your Spring 2013 courseload and tuition.
2012 Housing Fees: $500
2012 Activity Fees: $300
The final Housing and Activity Fee payment is due to the Office of Academic Initiatives and Global Programs by November 15, 2012. Tuition for the course is separate and will be due based on the Bursar's Payment Schedule for Spring 2013. (click here for Bursar's Payment Deadline Dates)
International Airfare is not included. Students must purchase their own tickets.
Recommended Airfare Search Engines: Vayama, Kayak, Bing
Flight, Travel, and Visa Information
Flight: Students book their own travel to coincide with program dates. Students should expect to arrive on Sunday, December 30th with a departure on Saturday, January 12th.
There are direct flights from New York to Puebla (Hermanos Serdan PueblaAirport -- PBC), or students can fly into Mexico City International Airport (MEX) and take a 90-minute bus to Puebla.
"Estrella Roja" (Red Star) is the bus line that runs every 30 minutes between Mexico City's airport and Puebla. The last bus to Puebla departs at 11PM. Schedules can be found at http://www.estrellaroja.com.mx/. "Estrella Roja" offers service to two terminals in Puebla: the CAPU (Central de Autobuses de Puebla) and the more convenient "4 Poniente". The approximate cost for the bus ticket is $17 USD or 170 Mexican Pesos.
Passport: Valid passport required for US citizens. Please note that your passport must have at least six months validation beyond the day of the intended entry into the country of travel. All other passport holders should check with their respective travel requirements.
Visa: No visa is required of US citizens. All other passport holders shouldcheck with their respective visa requirements.
Helpful Links: Mexican Embassy,US State Department, Center for Disease Control,Lonely Planet Guide
Weather
Warm, sunny days (70º-80º F, or 21º-26ºC) and chilly nights (40º-50º F, or5º-10ºC) mean you'll need layers of clothing. There is almost no precipitation from November through March.
Helpful links: BBC Weather
For More Information
Academic Content: Dr. Amy Bentley, Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, 35 West 4th Street, 10th fl, New York, NY 10003-6677; (212) 998.5580; amy.bentley@nyu.edu
Program Administration: Office of Academic Initiatives and Global Programs, The Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, New York University, 82 Washington Square East, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10003-6680; (212) 992-9380; steinhardt.global@nyu.edu