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Course Description

Those innocent jars of spices in your cupboard do little to reveal their incredible world history. For centuries, the spice trade was the world’s greatest industry — it established and destroyed empires, led to the discovery of new continents, and helped lay the foundation of the modern world. In this course, we will trace the global exploration ignited by these botanicals, pushing humanity across uncharted oceans and reshaping world economies and trade through the birth of the first global corporations. We will immerse ourselves in the profound global culinary and cultural impact of these treasures, discovering how a single peppercorn bridged the gap between the East and West. Our journey will move from the galley to the laboratory to examine the medical and science significance of spices, investigating their transition from ancient “miracle cures” to modern anti-inflammatory breakthroughs. Finally, we will evaluate the lasting legacy of the spice trade — from the vibrant fusion cuisines on our tables today to the complex geopolitical borders it left in its wake. Join us for a seven-week expedition through the scents that built civilization.

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

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Section Title
The Gold in Your Pantry: Spices That Built and Changed the World w/ Judi Slack (Fall 2026-West)
Type
Discussion/Lecture
Days
F
Time
2:00PM to 2:50PM
Dates
Sep 25, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026
Schedule and Location
View Details
Contact Hours
5.8
Location
Delivery Options
In Class/In Person  
Course Fee(s)
Encore Fee non-credit $0.00