- Oxford Academia at:
- 2026 Sessions:
July 3–16, 2027
- Eligibility:
- Typical Seminar Size:
Named in 2010 by UNESCO as part of Humanity’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, French gastronomy is fundamental to identity, family, and tradition. In this hands-on seminar, trace the history of food from the Gauls to the slow-food gastronomic movement, and meet Parisian chefs, bakers, and food writers. Scour neighborhood markets for the finest ingredients, learn how to prepare traditional recipes like boeuf bourguignon and confit de canard, and serve them to your peers in tasting groups. Meet with fifth-generation boulangers and learn the secrets of the perfect baguette, or interview a local fishmonger about getting the day’s fresh catch from the coast to the city. Explore regional distinctions, and discuss the importance of global influences on French cooking with chefs who blend Senegalese, Moroccan, or Vietnamese ingredients with traditionally French techniques.
There is a supplemental fee of $100 for this major and $50 for this minor.
FEATURED FACULTY
Dartmouth College, B.A., Italian Studies
While at Dartmouth, David earned his B.A. in Italian Studies; was active in the Outing Club; founded an a cappella singing group; and played ultimate frisbee. His love of the arts and humanities, sparked through study abroad in Europe, has proven to be a life-changing experience, earning advanced degrees in Italian studies, a professorship at the University of Siena, and regular collaboration with international education programs focusing on food, art history, and culture. He continues to blend his professional life in Italy with hometown visits to Mobile, Alabama. David is particularly interested in understanding the socio-cultural contexts that produce and promote food culture and artistic expression and enjoys exploring creativity in many forms, such as visual arts, music, and dance. These align with a deep curiosity in rural and traditional cultures, pilgrimage, and cross-cultural exchange across the Mediterranean. An avid hiker, singer in local Renaissance choirs, swing dancer, foodie, and polyglot, David loves to share his passion for meaningful travel, sustainability, and history with others. He has taught on Putney Pre-College programs in Italy since 2018 and returns to Paris Academia for the third time in 2026.