Synthesis: Outline

I. AROMA OF THE SPIRIT: Why We Need Spice

A. Section One: Eroticism - Sex and Sexuality

1. Neurology
a. brain centers of neurological arousal
b. olfaction and taste
c. tongue dynamics

2. Physiology
a. physical arousal

3. Case Study: Ginger, Cardomom, Tumeric

B. Section Two: Excess - Spice in the Social Hierarchy

1. Case Study: Cinammon
a. religious hierarchy
b. societal hierarchy

2. luxury goods and spice symbolism

C. Section Three: Exoticism - The Foreign Factor in a "Flat" World

1. Case Study: Pepper?

2. The sociological and psychological allure of spice
a. desire for foreign sensation
b. human connectivity

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1. Connection with modern world – what is the new “spice”?

a. spices have become obsolete in terms of their once prominent global significance
b. if spices are no longer a symbol of/cause for increased connectivity between nations, what is?

1) possible connections:
a) ECONOMIC: parts of global supply chaining (i.e. a desirable commodity/service at competing prices within the international community); energy resources (oil, coal, etc.)
b) CULTURAL: visual art, music, clothing
c) POLITICAL: nuclear power and biological weaponry
d) general technology: i.e. the extent of ability to communicate with others in vicinity and across the world

c. What does the replacement of spice mean for the global economy and societies? What has it meant?
d. Symbolism of shift

Methodology

1. Research

a. Trade Routes
b. Cultural significance/integration of various spices

1) religion
2) practical purpose (ex. preservation)
3) cuisine
4) social/societal significance (luxury items)

c. Global significance
1) as a measure of social status
2) as cause for international exploration
3) as cause of international relationships
4) Western desire for spice

d. Physiology?
1) neurological effect of spice
2) nutritional value - supplemental
3) fulfilling biological need

2. possible experiment on the association of spice with foodsg/geographical locations/cultures
a. using unlabeled spice boxes
b. defining culture by spice - lasting influences of perception...

3. Case Studies, examining aspects of spice's role throughout history by having each spice (or, potentially, mineral) through three case studies

a. spice candidates for case study
1) cinnamon
2) pepper
3) salt
4) ginger
5) tumeric/cardamom
6) saffron