Culture Classes
Vive La France! – Spring 2013
This course will be a mélange of six (6) French cultural presentations on topics from Parisian pastries to a rivalry among two noted wine regions. The L’Union Française home on Prytania will be the site of this outstanding series, which includes both wine and cuisine tastings.
¨ March 12th Paris on the Sweet: Iconic French pastries
Nora Wetzel
No trip to Paris is complete without a trip to the patisserie. Learn about many iconic pastries that were invented by pastry chefs to commemorate historic events or honor figures in history. Then taste what makes these pastries so memorable. Presentation will include biographies of pastry chefs, circumstances of the creation of pastries and a tasting of five pastries.
¨ March 19th – Two Centuries of French Art: From the reign of
John the Good to Francis I (c.1350 to 1550)
Véronique Day
Looking at the art of this period will give a sweeping overview of two centuries of French history during which the kingdom of France was shaped. We will follow the court from Paris to Bourges, Tours and Fontainebleau, exploring French royalty from its moribund state when the crown was disputed by the English kings to its fullest expression of power with the brilliant court of Francis I. Surveying architecture, painting and sculpture, we will address the changing expressions of art production with the shaping of French politics.
¨ March 26th – Fromage! An introduction to French cheese
Michael Batterman
Cheese holds a special, even sacred, place in French culture. It is celebrated and enjoyed in a way unique to France. This class provides an introduction to French cheese: its history and sources, basic methods and forms of production, and diversity of regions. We’ll taste a representative sampling of cheeses and learn basic descriptive vocabulary. Come see why the French consume 57.5 lbs of cheese per capita every year!
¨ April 2nd- The French Way Part II: Enjoy France like the French
Roger Vairat & Philippe Goudail
This class will present a fresh perspective on French tastes, customs and attitudes. Knowledge of these aspects of French culture will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of France and its people. This will be a continuation of the discussion begun in the last series of culture classes.
¨ -April 9th - Exploring the City of Lights: A brief history & geography
of Paris & its surroundings
Juliana Starr
No American city is as important to American life as Paris is to French life. This class examines the history of Paris with an emphasis on the 19th -21st centuries. We will study various monuments, neighborhoods and districts, Haussmann’s transformations during the Second Empire, and current problems like transportation, housing, and urban sprawl.
¨ April 15th – Bourgogne/Bordeaux: A vintage rivalry
Philippe Goudail
Two of France’s most famous wine regions represent opposite civilization but share a passion for excellence. The Bordeaux region has its own marketplace (the prestigious Chateau de Médoc and Haut Médoc). It is also the land of the Merlot, the most popular grape in this region today. Burgundy is an ancient province southeast of Paris, with vineyards the work of monasteries. Also the land of Pinot Noir and the great Chardonnay. Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, established the universal reputation of these wines and the first maisons de vin were largely responsible for spreading their reputation. Philippe will bring a variety of superb wines for the class to sample. Nora Wetzel will again serve exquisite and delicious goûters between tastings.
For more information on our presenters, CLICK HERE
To display and print our brochure, click Brochure Spring 2013
L’Union Française
4522 Prytania Street
Six Tuesdays – Starting March 12th, 2013
6:00 to 7:30 pm
899-4477
For additional information, contact us at:
classinfo@lunionfrancaise.org
updated 1/27/2013
