Cultural History of Beer and Brewing from Germany to Chicago (250-0-20)
Instructors
Robert Gary Ryder
847/491-8295
Kresge 3-327
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-430: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
This course will provide an overview of many different historical and practical aspects of beer and brewing in German-speaking culture while also including the rich history of German beer making in Chicago from the 1850s to today. Beyond the history and science of beer in Germany, we will read fictional and philosophical interpretations of beer and its cultural impact, from Martin Luther's advocation of drinking and the importance of alcohol in E.T.A. Hoffmann's work, to Friedrich Nietzsche's comparison of beer to Christianity. Local experts will be invited to speak to the class, and we will learn about the science of brewing by focusing on the different beer styles and brewing techniques used by German brew-masters and tavern owners from the Middle Ages to the present day. A beer tasting of non-alcoholic malted beverages will be included as part of the curriculum, as well as a tour of a local Chicago brewery.
Registration Requirements
No German Required
Learning Objectives
By the end of the semester, students in this course will be able to fulfill the following goals: learn more about cultural practices, products, and perspectives in German-speaking culture; learn specifically about an aspect of German society that has shaped its history with an impact on contemporary culture; read and discuss texts with critical evaluation; present information of specific interest in a clear and concise manner; synthesize information on political, philosophical, literary, and scientific issues as they pertain to German cultural history and the local history of Chicago.
Class Materials (Required)
""Prost! The Story of German Beer." Horst D. Dornbusch. 1997. Brewers Publications. ISBN-13: 978-0937381557
"Chicago Beer: A History of Brewing, Public Drinking and the Corner Bar." June Sawyers. 2022. American Palate. ISBN-13: 9781467149259"
Class Attributes
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area