Honors

Chemia Cafea: Journey Through the Center of a Bean

HON 498 – Dr. Nicholas Greco

Modes of Inquiry: Textual Analysis, Scientific and Mathematical Analysis, Artistic Creation and Analysis, Historical, Social and Cultural Analysis

Course Description:

While coffee is ubiquitous in the morning ritual of many people, its chemistry, history, and artistic nature are not. This one little bean has changed the course of cultures and communities, both ancient and modern. Its ultimate transformation into coffee evokes strong emotions for or against it. For those that gravitate towards it, what they prefer is rarely based on scientific exploration. This honors capstone course provides a pathway into the historical, social, cultural, psychological, and artistic parts of coffee, all through the overarching eye of chemistry.