WORLDS OF WINE I: FRANCE (CL2060)

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This course explores the history of French vineyards and winemaking and French literature about wine from the Middle Ages to twentieth century. We will first learn about winemaking methods and the science of wine production, before looking at the history of French winemaking and “terroirs” from Antiquity to the present. This course immerses students in the notions of “taste” and “terroir” as important elements in the production of a distinctive French cultural identity. Students will focus on the history and production of wine in major winemaking regions (which vary from semester to semester), read French texts celebrating wine, and receive formal wine education to develop their sense of taste. The course includes a study trip.

Code: 
CL2060
Name: 
WORLDS OF WINE I: FRANCE
Discipline: 
CL (Comparative Literature)
Type: 
Regular
Level: 
Undergraduate
Credits: 
4
Can be taken twice for credit?: 
No
Pre-requisites: 
None
Co-requisites: 
None

Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will be able to define and discuss the polysemantic words “taste” and “terroir”.
  2. Students will be able to identify the characteristics of the major wines produced in the regions of Burgundy, Bordeaux, the Rhone Valley, Champagne, and the Languedoc-Roussillon.
  3. Students will improve their abilities to analyze literary texts of multiple genres related to wine.
  4. Students will be able to explain the development of wine production in France from Antiquity to the present and account for its centrality in French culture.

Offering(s)

Term Code Name
Fall 2025 CL2060 WORLDS OF WINE I: FRANCE

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