What a great class! As mentioned, I am presenting another option for your final project/assignment. I was so inspired by your beautiful exploration tasks, that I think we should keep going with this theme, and not break up the momentum. Those explorations had some of the most thoughtful methodologies and overviews that I’ve read in a long time (and I’ve been teaching for over 10 years folks). I was so into your pieces that I found myself closing my office door so that I could devote special focused attention the very rich description of the communities, people, and the dishes. Thank you to the student who took the time to include pictures – I got a really nice visual of what was being discussed!
There are a few more things to do for the rest of the semester
- Digital Component of your History Projects (This information will be posted up soon).
- A research paper and;
- Digital Narrative & Research Project
While both No.2 & No.3 of these are exciting and totally doable, I wanted to give you another offer because of the richness of the first exploration task. My proposal to the class today was to replace assignment No. 2 & 3 (above) with, THREE NEW/MORE exploration tasks. There should be no doubt that each of them as we move forward will be more indepth and extensive/challenging than the last. The exploration tasks (I think and hope) get you out and about in the neighborhoods of NYC a bit more than the standard and traditional research paper might (which you should learn how to do no matter what)!
So here’s what to do now and before Thursday:
- Before you vote, please ask any questions you might have about either option and I’ll post answers. Unless it’s VERY private, please post your questions here so everyone can gain the benefit of the answer(s).
- Share with me (and your classmates) some things you’ve been thinking about exploring when it comes to our food journey research and related topics from our class. For example, I don’t eat eggs (or cheese largely), but now because of Rachel, I’m having daydreams about this dish!! To satisfy my curiosity, I’ll have to at least research this a bit more. https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1014721-shakshuka-with-feta (Class, while you are here, please comment on this video!)
- Then of course… just vote. List here what you want to do: Choice A. Research Paper & Digital Narrative, or Choice B. 3 NEW Exploration Tasks. It’s not a secret, and I’d like for everyone to get a sense of what we’ll be doing.
I need you ALL to post by Thursday March 30th, 5pm!
-Dr.B.
March 26, 2017 at 12:28 am
1. I really like the idea of doing more exploration tasks, because as Dr. B mentioned in class they help us get to know the food and neighborhood on a personal level, more so than if we would research the food or area where it is found. One question I have is how would the three new ones be different than the one we did already? I think it might be cool if we could collaborate on one or more of the new ones. For example, somebody with Greek origins will more likely be able to get an interview with a Greek restaurant owner, than someone who does not have this “in.” I know Rachel and I were quickly admitted for an interview with a kosher bar and grill’s sushi chef because the employee who welcomed us recognized we were Jewish. Since I am not a NYC resident, maybe if I paired up with someone who knows the City well it would help me learn about a neighborhood I am not currently familiar with and what foods are popular there. Please let me know what you think about the idea of working in pairs on future exploration task(s).
2. Since I keep kosher, I can’t say I’ve been thinking about exploring some of the new foods we’ve been discussing, since I don’t eat at restaurants that are not kosher certified or from people’s homes which do not have kosher kitchens. However, when Rachel described her grandmother’s Syrian dish which is almost exactly the same as the food Asimina is researching, I realized there are so many “Jewish” foods I have not tried because they are not part of my tradition. In our class alone, the Jewish students have roots all over the world – Rachel is Syrian, Ariel is Persian, Matthew is Russian, Josh is Ukrainian/Polish, and I am Eastern European, German and French Canadian. I think it would be really interesting to taste the foods the Jews in each of these cultures adapted into their kosher cuisine.
I happen to love shakshuka, even though I don’t really like cooked tomatoes or eggs by themself. It’s a bit more time consuming to make than the recipe indicates, but well worth it. A few weeks ago, my father made shakshuka for dinner – but he mixed in the eggs instead of leaving them whole – and we had it over rice. It was delicious! Just this past week, a boy in my Hebrew 4304 class posted a picture of his shakshuka breakfast on the class chat. When I saw him the next day, he was heating the leftovers on a roll in the Hillel’s toaster and was super excited to eat it. In class, Rachel mentioned that the Israeli-style shakshuka in American restaurants actually tastes better than authentic Israeli shakshuka. I’m not sure I agree – but perhaps that’s because the first time I remember trying shakshuka was at an Israeli hotel’s complimentary breakfast.
3. Choice B (3 new exploration tasks) is my vote, 100%.
March 27, 2017 at 10:42 am
Personally, I really like the idea of having more exploration tasks. Although all the projects seem very involved, I think the exploration tasks give us more freedom. Thus, it also allows us to learn what we want to learn about our community and the people/places that are important to us, making it more enjoyable as well. I think the exploration tasks give us more of a voice in terms of how all of this affects our perception of food. I think that since our discussion this semester has revolved a lot around authenticity and cultural specifics, the exploration tasks would be a great way to understand both the history and current day role of dishes. For me, I would love to know how the history of a dish or a culture of dishes has changed and grown with a specific family. Food is something that we see as domestic- not because “women are supposed to be the ones who cook”, but because it is present in all our favorite memories of family and togetherness. For me, the authenticity is created by real humans who develop a connection to it and give more meaning to it then just food. I would also love to know why certain ingredients were added or changed, as the answer to that always seems to give more information on the history surrounding the place of origin of the dish. For example, perhaps a disastrous drought caused chefs to change an ingredient in a dish. This past weekend, I brought a friend on a ski trip with my family and since he is not of asian descent, he had many questions about what the food we ate was. He was also surprised at how different “real” Chinese food was to the ones that are advertised in Chinese chain restaurants. His love for our food made me see the significance of this IDC class- when we eat food from different cultures, we are able to see into the lives of people who come from different backgrounds as us. Of course, we have history class and we have literature to give us an idea of what other cultures are like, but we never really understand what it is truly like. However, with food, you get to experience exactly what it is. The flavors and spices you taste, are the same flavors and spices a native tastes. There is no assuming or inferencing necessary, you get it for what it is. The exploration task was a great project that allowed us to get what we wanted out of our curriculum. I honestly like this suggestion a lot! I am all for more exploration tasks instead!
March 27, 2017 at 4:30 pm
As mentioned in the previous two posts, I like the idea of doing more exploration tasks because it give more freedom to express a story in my own words. Although I am not opposed to the research tasks, I would feel more comfortable doing the exploration task. Concerning the exploration task, I am already familiar with the task and I think I would be able to undertake this task without feeling the pressure of doing something new and worth so many points . Also, I feel that I would have less pressure doing an exploration task because I can regard the exploration task as a story. I also want to interview more people and find out their stories because I really liked finding out the story of my first interviewee in the exploration task.Therefore, in my perspective I feel more comfortable doing an exploration task.
One question i have is that you mentioned some people included pictures in their exploration task. I did not know you could include pictures and I like this idea of including pictures so I was wondering can I add pictures in my exploration task?
One dish I have been thinking of trying is Okra soup that someone mentioned in class. For the longest time in class, I as confused about what this Okra thing that everyone was talking about. I thought it was some unique new thing that was going t become the new kale or Avocado. When I went home that day I asked my mom if she had ever tried Okra and to my surprise I found out that not only had my mom tried okra but it is a typical vegetable used in Pakistan. I found out that Okra is actually the vegetable that we refer to as Ladyfinger(not the cookies). Now I curious to try Okra soup because the idea of okra being used in a soup just boggles my mind. Now, I want see how other cultures use okra and taste how this soup will taste and explore other possible dishes that uses Okra.
Choice B. 3 NEW Exploration Tasks
March 29, 2017 at 9:25 am
Choice A.
I recently changed my research project and decided to look into the history and travel of a Croatian food my parents often make called ćevapčići. it is a type of small skinless sausage that people in ex-Yugolslavian countries frequently eat, and through family connections i can definitely find people to ask about the history of the dish and several good recipes. I have already look a bit into the history of it but haven’t found much yet and am considering getting my parents to translate some Croatian articles or other sources on it for me as well as asking them directly.
March 29, 2017 at 12:14 pm
I honestly really like the point that Jacqueline discussed. My whole life I’ve been eating kosher Persian food (which is definitely the best cuisine out there), but Jacqueline made me realize that I’ve barely tried other kosher cuisines. I mean, there have definitely been those times in the past where I’ve been at one of my friends’ houses for dinner and had their food, but it’s always been the same cuisine more a less (I usually generalize it as “Ashkenazi cuisine”). But now that it’s been brought to my attention, there are so many types of Jewish cuisine that I’ve never tried, whether it be Russian, Polish, Syrian, etc. I’m not really sure if this is something that can be brought to fruition through exploration tasks, but I though I’d share what was on my mind anyway.
Also, I think doing 3 new exploration tasks is simply just a lot more fun to do than a research paper/research project. Just one question I have is what exactly would the three new topics be? Either way, I definitely think that three exploration tasks is a more captivating option. So…
Choice B. 100%.
March 29, 2017 at 2:15 pm
Listening to other students share their stories about the foods they have researched truly opened my eyes to the plethora of dishes readily available here in the city. True, I knew that many different cuisines could be found across the city, but most of the food I typically eat is either made at home or ordered in my neighborhood. The stories I learned about these different foods make me even more interested in trying different dishes.
Moreover, I personally believe that more exploration tasks would allow me to accomplish such a task. For my research project, I focused on an Italian dish. However, for my first exploration task, I interviewed my friend who is Albanian and learned about the food she makes at home. I have known her for years, yet this was the first time we had an in-depth conversation about the relationship between food, family, and culture. She was my friend and I did not even know the rich history of some of her favorite dishes. I can only imagine the stories and relationships that can be discovered outside of my usual circle.
Because of this, I believe that we should conduct more exploration tasks.
March 29, 2017 at 4:01 pm
After reading my classmates comments, I have realized that often of the time, the foods I eat are almost always in my comfort zone. I tend to be picky when it comes to food and that personally has hindered me to step of out my comfort zone to try new cuisines. After listening to the food stories of my peers, I would love to try Greek, Polish and Russian food. Food enjoyed by other people should be shared and loved by everyone. I think the exploration projects would definitely allow me to overcome my fear of trying new cuisine and it would be a great idea for the class to work together. I have an idea in mind, where people in our class should form groups and introduce types of cuisines that we grew up eating to someone that has never tried eating it before. During the multiple group discussion in class, I told my peers about the vietnamese sandwich, Banh Mi, however many of them never even heard or ate it before. I was shocked because Vietnamese food tends to be fairly enjoyed and this discussion opened my eyes to the reality that many people have yet to be aware of some delicious food. Therefore, I choose Option B: Exploration Tasks.
March 29, 2017 at 6:46 pm
In regards to the video about shakshuka, I found it very brief yet concise; she basically showed us the main steps required to make the dish. What I found most interesting, however, was the comments section. While Melissa Clark quickly mentioned in her video that the dish was from the Middle East, in her post she talked about it being breakfast food in Israel. Yet the top most helpful comment, which received 122 up-votes, was disputing the Israeli background, claiming it was a Palestinian/Arab dish. This mini-debate reminded me of my research for our food history project, as no one is 100% sure/can agree on the real origins behind the Sichuan dish Kung Pao Chicken. As I continue to look deeper in to this, I will likely discuss the different viewpoints in my paper in more depth.
As for the final project, I, like Jacqueline and others, like the idea of doing more exploration tasks (Choice B), although I am curious as to what Choice A’s digital narrative would entail. I also share Ariel’s curiosity in terms of what the three new exploration tasks would be about. However, from my current standpoint, I would be more interested in exploration rather than the traditional paper(s). I think this would allow for more openings and discovery not offered in other courses, and would break from the restraints of a conventional classroom curriculum.
March 30, 2017 at 2:49 pm
Throughout our first few weeks of class I have been lucky to hear the food stories of other students such as myself. I was blown away with some of the dishes mentioned and eve more so by the fact that they are available right here in the city. Coming from Staten Island there are not many food options other than the usual Italian or Chinese restaurant.
For example one of these fun sounding dishes would be Shakshuka, as shown in the video attached above. Aside from making me hungry, this dish interests me because I am a big fan of feta, and all cheeses, as well as eggs. I like how the video is only 2 minutes and easily breaks down how to make the dish at home. The ability to watch or listen to someone explains how to make a food is more important in my opinion than reading over a descriptive recipe. This idea helped me decide on my vote being Exploration tasks instead of a Research Paper.
Research papers unlike Exploration Tasks don’t let the writer truly explore a person place or idea because it is all based on facts and findings. Exploration tasks on the other hand are much more fun and personal. The ability to interview a person can lead to so much more knowledge than reading an article or textbook.
March 30, 2017 at 2:58 pm
I would definitely be interested in trying foods from different cultures. I think it’s very cool that some cultures have the same dish but call it something different and prepare it differently. When Rachel mentioned her grandmother makes a similar dish to spanakopita, it made me really want to see it and try it. I think that it would be cool to study foods that are similar across different cultures, but it would also be very nice to get to experience and study dishes from different cultures that are completely different than each other. I also think that it would be interesting to try attempting a different diet (different cultures are allowed to eat certain foods) because right now I don’t really have restrictions as to what I eat.
I choose choice B. I don’t have a strong preference, but I did enjoy doing the exploration task and wouldn’t mind doing 3 more. I think it’s a good way to get to learn about different places in the city as well as the food and culture of the city. You can learn a lot just from talking to people so I think that it would be cool to continue to do that.
March 30, 2017 at 3:36 pm
Personally, the discussion that we’ve been having about food in class really made me appreciated Nigerian food even more. My classmates speaking about their culture and the food they eat at home, honestly makes me want to eat more of my culture’s food.
I would prefer choice A. I would rather have one in-depth assignment that will allow us to fully dive into the subject matter. I feel that three exploration tasks wouldn’t allow us to fully involve ourselves in a subject at hand. I also think that digital narrative is a something that will allow our fellow classmates to actually visualize the differences in the culture surrounding food. It’s is something that will engage the other senses which I think is very important when it comes to talking about food.
March 30, 2017 at 3:57 pm
I think continuing on this exploration task trajectory is an awesome idea, especially now with having done one, I can learn from all the mistakes I made and really devise a more thorough and experienced plan regarding the next community/ neighborhood. I would love to continue venturing out to neighborhoods in the five boroughs with large Eastern European communities, such as Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Ridgewood, Queens as well as Brighton Beach. Though I am interested in learning and exploring other cultures, I don’t think my one exploration to the Ukrainian East Village will suffice. But truthfully, I am really open to suggestions so if any of you have an interesting idea, I would be glad to join you on that adventure to that neighborhood/s. Also, I am really interested in entering new ethnic enclaves within the 4 boroughs (sorry Staten Island) and if any of you are interested/ know of really cool spots, let’s go!
In all honesty, for myself, better than the food, is the opportunity to get to speak to people, ask them questions about their life and home country, and to experience, first-hand the various neighborhoods that preserved their culture while traveling, sometimes through force, from their origin countries to America.
Regarding Shakshuka, I was on a program last year in Jerusalem, where Shakshuka was a staple of our diet, and if I was on cooking duty that night I was awarded with the humbling experience of making Shakshuka for 60 people. That’s a lot of eggs, tomatoes, and onions.
With all that said, I hereby vote for option B.
March 30, 2017 at 4:28 pm
Throughout our exploration of food, I have found myself more and more intrigued by the cultural foods of people in the class! As someone who loves to try new foods, I’ve found that there are a variety of cultural foods I’ve yet to try and I’d be interested in learning more about the restaurants my classmates might suggest I and others go to to try the food of their culture. In addition, the video we watched in class last Friday gave me special appreciation for the artistry of food (something I haven’t historically been as engrossed with). The passion of the speaker for the foods of her home country (Mexico) has inspired me to re-try some foods with that fire in mind. I personally could relate to some of her passion. When a dish I’ve cooked comes out especially delicious, I feel some of that joy the speaker related to her audience. I can also relate to the disappointment that stems from trying to find a specific, unnameable flavor in your home-cooking that you’ve tried outside of your home and the eventual excitement you feel when you figure out.
As for the final project, I would prefer Choice B. It would give me an excuse to talk to more people over good food and explore more of New York City.
March 30, 2017 at 5:27 pm
Throughout researching our food choice for the History Project, I’m sure everyone in the class would agree that we now have a much richer understanding of the dish. Our exploration has led us to answer questions such as: What is the origin of the food? Why is it prepared a certain way? What makes this food authentic? These are a few of the many inquiries our class discussions and the first exploration task have stimulated. As mentioned by the other responses, the first exploration task allowed us to learn about our dish from a primary source which made the experience more personal. Only so much can be learned by reading articles and journals online. Receiving an account from an individual who has first-hand knowledge and hearing they’re stories stemming from childhood is far more engaging. I think we should continue on with the exploration tasks. The first exploration task evoked much curiosity to seek out further discoveries about my dish. Furthermore, this project has given us insight into the dishes our classmate’s are researching. Choice B.
March 31, 2017 at 12:33 am
I vote for choice B. I agree with professor Bernard that it would maintain a consistent theme for the remainder of the class, and that exploration tasks are more interesting because they hold more surprises for the students, us, to uncover. I am also enjoying the creativity and initiative that is required by these tasks. It certainly helps us improve our communication and listening skills and open our minds to greater stories and enforce the saying “Never judge a book by its cover.” The excitement isn’t only contained in the process of exploring our neighborhoods or unknown territories, but also in the process of creating a narrative that embodies the emotions, thoughts, and history of the person we interviewed and the experience we had interviewing him/her. Of course, it would be great if we could connect the narrative to the theme of food and have it relate to the topic of our course, but I don’t value that component to be the most important in these exploration tasks. I value these tasks because I believe that the stories we gather are invaluable. Like the narratives we heard in the New York Public Library, we have a chance to find and share amazing experiences of people we may not normally interact with. I think the idea of having three more exploration tasks will allow us to thoroughly enjoy the process and find our perfect story.
I am choosing choice B over A because while a research paper or digital component can provide us with a more complete experience, it is only very brief. In addition, we have done research papers before, we aren’t the most excited about having to complete another one. The topic may be interesting, but the idea of completing a research paper is still intimidating. The digital component is interesting and will give us a good experience, but as inexperienced as we are, it is very difficult to complete this task. I would prefer to be able to turn in work that I know I can present well.
March 31, 2017 at 1:54 am
I vote for choice B. I think that conducting further exploration tasks would be extremely beneficial to the subject matter. It helps enrich our sense of what lies beyond our food “bubbles”, learn about both the histories and cultures of people living in the same city as us, and also broadens our taste bud capacities. I found it extremely powerful and meaningful to conduct my first exploration task. I found that it gave further meaning to our subject matter, after going out on my own and taking it upon myself to learn about food culture in NYC. It moves what we learn in the classroom into the real world. I’m always looking to find new, interesting foods and I’m fan of a variety of different cultures’ foods. I’m also always looking for new recipes and to try different things. Being a Middle- Eastern Jew, my food culture is definitely rich , which allows me to appreciate other food cultures as well. Lately, I’ve been craving pulled beef burgers!!