The Taste for Civilization, Spring 2011

Monday, May 2, 2011
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Williman Room, Benson Memorial Center

The spring 2011 Literary Cuisine was presented by the Library, Bon Appétit, and the Department of Political Science.

Our featured speaker was Professor Janet Flammang, chair of the Department of Political Science. Dr. Flammang is the author of the book The Taste for Civilization: Food, Politics, and Civil Society. Her talk is entitled "Food, Civility, and Democracy" and she notes:

President Obama has tasked NEH Chair Jim Leach to visit all 50 states to talk about the importance of civility in a democracy. Throughout the Middle East and North Africa, revolutionaries are calling for civil society and democracy. Alice Waters promotes a delicious revolution. How is food related to civility and democracy?

Bon Appétit served a sustainable, organic meal purchased from local farmers for the occasion. The event was open to faculty, staff, students, alumni, Osher members, and the general public.

A copy of the featured book and other prizes in keeping with the theme of the event were given away.