'The habit of always eating the same things & more or less prepared in the same fashion generated distaste, which aroused curiosity, this in turn yielded experiences which awoke the senses; man started to taste, experiment, diversify, choose and create a form of art at once most simple and natural.'

This is how the Chevalier de Jaucourt described the birth of the cuisine in the eponymous article of the Encyclopédie (1754). Yet it took until the end of the twentieth century for the topic of ‘food and the senses’ to attract specialized study in both the human and natural sciences. It now seems time to attempt a first survey. While relevant research on all the senses expands in history, art history, anthropology, philosophy and many other disciplines, the 2014 Summer University examines this theme from a broad diachronic and comparative perspective. To achieve its objectives, it will offer participants lectures and seminars by distinguished specialists, hands-on practice, workshops, methodical sessions and the opportunity to present their own research in the field.

Registration details:

The Summer University is open to all graduates with active research projects in food/drink history. To maximize the academic benefits, each speaker will be required to submit a text (of up to 5000 words) on an aspect of their research (depending on the stage of the project e.g. an outline, a review of existing scholarship, a summary of empirical findings, methodological reflections, in-depth examination of a specific aspect…). These texts will be circulated to all participants one month before the Summer University. At some point during the week, each will be commented upon by two peer commentators, in order to enhance debate.

We can accommodate 20-25 participants. Mastery of English and good knowledge of French are essential.

The deadline for submission of applications is 20 June 2014. The
Registration fee of €400 covers all lectures and seminars, visits and related cultural activities, accommodation in single rooms and full board during the Summer University.

Travel expenses to Tours have to be met by the participants themselves.

The registration form is available from:
http://summerschool.iehca.univ-tours.fr/