food and culture 

Course Description:

The saying, “A tavola non s’invecchia” (“One doesn’t age at the supper table”) expresses the importance of food and eating for Italians. In this course, we will examine the relationship between food and culture in Italy, from the ancient world to the present, through a variety of readings, class discussion and some personal and practical experience (see syllabus below for details).  

Because the study of food culture in Italy invites comparison with your own alimentary habits, we will examine the culture and meaning of food in Italy and in your own country.  If “we are what we eat”, then “what” we choose to eat affects many aspects of our lives.  

The study of food culture is an interdisciplinary study. Even though the historical point of view will be the main one, during our reading, class discussion and lecture we will touch upon a lot of different fields: anthropology, sociology, literature, art, philosophy. 

Besides studying food culture through readings, written assignments, and class discussion, students will 

undertake a group-learning project around Rome that will enhance their classroom experience.  

The course will be taught through a variety of readings, class discussions and presentations and there will 

also be some practical experiences.   

Schedule: 

• Monday 10:00-12:30

• Tuesday 10:00-12:30

• Wednesday 10:00-12:30

• Thursday 10:00-12:30

Prof. VALENTINA DORATO

Valentina Dorato has completed her Ph.D. thesis on Digital Humanities and Pedagogy in the department of Social Research and Communication of the Sapienza University of Rome.  During her doctorate she created a new experimental online pedagogical instrument called “RomanaMENTE” with the objective of using the digital world and the city of Rome to teach Italian language in a way that emphasizes the connection between languages, cultures and places. She also has a Master in Second language Teaching from the Roma Tre University and a second-level DITALS certificate for second languages. She is author of the book Cantando si impara, a textbook for teaching Italian language thorough Music (not published yet) and some articles on Digital Humanities and Pedagogy. At Trinity College Rome Campus, she teaches Italian Language and Culture courses and a summer course on Food and Culture.  

TRINITY STUDENTS: IF YOU WANT MAJOR OR MINOR CREDIT FOR THIS COURSE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CREDIT AND GRADES POLICIES.