Spanish Food and Culture

Instructor

Laura Arranz Bannon

Location

Segovia, Spain

Course Description

This course offers an in-depth exploration of Spanish food and culture as a lens through which to understand Spain’s history, geography, traditions, and social practices. Students will examine how regional landscapes, historical influences, and cultural values have shaped Spanish gastronomy and everyday life. Through the study of local festivals, religious and secular holidays, traditional dishes, and culinary techniques, the course highlights the close relationship between food, identity, and community in Spain. Readings, visual materials, and short written tasks will encourage students to reflect on cultural practices, compare them with their own experiences, and develop a nuanced understanding of Spain’s cultural diversity.