Outline I and Outline II

Outline I

Outline II

Works Consulted (Under Construction)

Kurlansky, Mark. Salt: A World History. New York: Penguin Books, 2003

Currently exploring salt as a possible "mineral" to include in my case studies...

Thomas, Gertrude Z. Richer Than Spices. Alfred A. Knopf, 1965.

A more anecdotal look at the societal importance of spice, specifically in terms of social ranking...

Toussaint-Samat, Maguelonne. History of Food. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers Inc., 1994.

Provides in-depth analysis as to the origins and trade routes of many of the world's most prominent spices, including most of the spices that I am currently pursuing as possible "case studies." The chapter "Spice at Any Price" profiles the origins of the term "spice" and "aromatics" (etymology), as well as a brief overview of spice popularity over time.

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

Works Consulted Additions to Feb 6th

Andrews, Glenn. Growing and Using Cilantro. Pownal: Storey Books, 1998.

Crackles, F.E. "Medieval Gardens in Hull: Archaeological Evidence." Spring 1986. Vol. 14, 1. Garden History.
Madavan, Vijay. "Cooking the Indian Way." Minneapolis : Lerner Publications Co., 2002.

Potter, Thomas L. "Essential Oil Composition of Cilantro."1996. J. Agric. Food Chem., 44 (7), 1824 -1826. February 8, 2008. <http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/abstract.cgi/jafcau/1996/44/i07/abs/jf950814c.html>.

Ramcharan, Christopher. "Culantro: A Much Used, Little Understood Herb." Department of Horticulture. Purdue University. February 8, 2008. <http://www.hort.purdue.edu/hort/>.

Spivey, Diane M.The Peppers, Cracklings, and Knots of Wool Cookbook: The Global Migration of African Cuisine . New York State University of New York Press, 1999.

"The domestic production of essential oils from aromatic plants; a compilation of research papers relating to problems in the agricultural production of essential oils from the cultivation of aromatic plants." Columbus: National Farm Chemurgic Council, 1940.
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Fisanick, Christina. The Rwanda Genocide Farmington Hill: Greenhaven Press, 2004.



A WORLD OF CILANTRO LEAVES
ASIA: Dumpling fillings; spring rolls; all sorts of cold appetizers; noodle soups and congee (rice soup); seafood dishes; stir-fries.
MEXICO: Salsas; mole; quacamole; tortilla soup; menudo (tripe and hominy stew); poultry, fish, and bean dishes; plate garnishes.
MIDDLE EAST: Eggplant preparations; tabbouleh; couscous; salads.
AMERICAN SOUTHWEST: Oil infusions; dressing; bean dishes; "pesto" and other sauces; chili; garnishes.
SPAIN AND PORTUGAL: Various tapas (especially with seafood); bread soup; fish and meat dishes.
Lang, Joan. "Cilantro." Restaurant Business; 12/10/96, Vol. 95 Issue 18, p113, 1p, 1c

February 6th Homework

FOR SOME REASON, LINKING WOULD NOT WORK. I WILL FIX THE PROBLEM LATER.

Works Cited



Sarkin, Jeremy. “The Tension between Justice and Reconciliation in Rwanda:

Politics, Human Rights, Due Process and the Role of the Gacaca Courts in Dealing with the Genocide.” Journal of African Law. 45, 2; 143-172. JSTOR.

Springfield Twp. HS Library. 6 February, 2008. .



This article primarily focuses on the effectiveness of the gacaca methods in trying and punishing alleged perpetrators of the 1994 genocide, not so much its legal role in smaller communities in terms of decision-making. The article approaches the method through a legal lens, citing many different individuals’ and parties’ comments on the gacaca legal system put in place in Rwanda.



Scheffer, David. “It Takes a Rwandan Village.” Foreign Policy. 143: 84-85. JSTOR.

Springfield Twp. HS Library. 6 February, 2008. .



This brief article primarily focuses on the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. In addition, the author compares and contrasts the role of the ICTR with the gacaca legal system put in place at a national level.



Van Hoyweghen, Saskia. “The Urgency of Land and Agrarian Reform in

Rwanda.” African Affairs. 98, 392: 353-372. JSTOR.

Springfield Twp. HS Library. 6 February, 2008. .



This article provides an overview of the rural infrastructure in Rwanda and how this infrastructure is conducive with the gacaca method of community development and conflict resolution. It also provides some background information as to the problems with Rwanda’s current systems of land development.



Fisanick, Christina. The Rwanda Genocide Farmington Hill: Greenhaven Press,

2004.



This book contains several essays summarizing the Rwandan genocide. In addition, the book also discusses the effectiveness and structure of the gacaca method in repairing Rwandan communities and penalizing perpetrators of genocide.



Williams, Nigel. "How the Ancient Egyptians Brewed Beer." Science. 273, 5274: 432. July 26, 1999. JSTOR. Springfield Twp. HS Library. 6 February, 2008. .


This article provides an in depth look at how cilantro/coriander was used to brew beer in Egypt. The article included the process of the brewing and the extent of the beer's usage, shipping, etc., which provided insight as to if the process was used more widely than in Ancient Egypt alone.

"Coriander." History of Garden Vegetables. JSTOR. Springfield Twp. HS Library. 6 February, 2008. .

This article provides a brief overview of the trade routes of coriander as well as the various uses in different nations. The article also discusses the various terms used for coriander in different nations, as well as different growing techniques.

Haldane, Cheryl Ward. "Shipwrecked Plant Remains." The Biblical Archaeologist. 53, 1: 55-60. March 1990. JSTOR. Springfield Twp. HS Library. 6 February, 2008. .

This article discusses coriander as it was found in the remains of older ships, leading scientists to believe that the seed was marketed in a large scale during this period. In addition, the article discusses where the ship may have been going and the general trade routes of the ship, providing insights into the general movement of coriander seeds.

Crackles, F. E. "Medieval Gardens in Hull: Archaeological Evidence." JSTOR. Springfield Twp. HS Library. 6 February, 2008. .

This article discusses the presence of coriander in Medieval gardens, primary in monasteries. The article also touches on possible research done on the plant as well as uses during the Middle Ages.

Possible research leads...

THE JACKPOT!!!! >>>>>
---->>>>http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/proceedings1999/pdf/v4-506.pdf<<<<<<------

http://www.arts.adelaide.edu.au/centrefooddrink/links/
Research Centre for the History of Food and Drink

Fisanick, Christina. The Rwanda Genocide Farmington Hill: Greenhaven Press, 2004.

International Journal of Food Microbiology Volume 74, Issues 1-2, 25 March 2002, Pages 101-109
Antimicrobial activity of individual and mixed fractions of dill, cilantro, coriander and eucalyptus essential oils*1

ABSTRACT: Essential oils from dill (Anethum graveolens L.), coriander (seeds of Coriandrum sativum L.), cilantro (leaves of immature C. sativum L.) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus dives) were separated into heterogeneous mixtures of components by fractional distillation and were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Minimum inhibitory concentrations against gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were determined for the crude oils and their fractions. Essential oil of cilantro was particularly effective against Listeria monocytogenes, likely due to the presence of long chain (C6–C10) alcohols and aldehydes. The strength and spectrum of inhibition for the fractions often exceeded those determined in the crude oils. Mixing of fractions resulted in additive, synergistic or antagonistic effects against individual test microorganisms.

Essential Oil Composition of Cilantro

Leaf oil was isolated from two commercial samples of cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.) and from growth-chamber-grown plants at five different stages of growth. The oils were analyzed by GC/MS. They were found to be composed mainly of C10-C16 aldehydes. (E)-2-Alkenals predominated. Substantial quantitative differences were observed between the two cilantro samples and in the leaf oils isolated at different growth stages. The data indicate that cilantro oil may exhibit significant variation in composition due to ontogenic factors. The data also suggest a possible link among growth stage, oil composition, and consumer preference.
http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/abstract.cgi/jafcau/1996/44/i07/abs/jf950814c.html

Some Thoughts on Cilantro/Coriander...

Coriander grows wild in South East Europe and had been cultivated in Egypt, India and China for thousands of years. It is mentioned in Sanskrit text and the Bible Spanish conquistadors introduced it to Mexico and Peru where it now commonly paired with chilies in the local cuisine. It has since become very popular in the Southwest and Western part of the United States as well as in most metropolitan areas. An interesting note is that people of European descent frequently are reviled by the smell of cilantro. It has not gained in popularity in Europe as it has in many other parts of the world.

Coriander is believed to be named after "koris", the Greek word for "bedbug" as it was said they both emitted a similar odor. The Chinese used the herb in love potions believing it provided immortality. Coriander is one of the herbs thought to have aphrodisiac qualities. The book of The Arabian nights tells a tale of a merchant who had been childless for 40 years and but was cured by a concoction that included coriander. That book is over 1000 years old so the history of coriander as an aphrodisiac dates back far into history. Cilantro was also know to be used as an "appetite" stimulant.

Little is known about the origins of the coriander plant, although it is generally thought to be native to the Mediterranean and parts of southwestern Europe. Experts believe its use dates back to at least 5,000 BC. References to coriander can be found in Sanskrit writings, and the seeds were placed in Egyptian tombs. In Plants of Love, Christian Reach states that ancient Egyptians and Greeks believed coriander had aphrodisiacal properties.

Dioscorides, a Greek physician and author of several renowned books on the medicinal qualities of herbs, believed ingesting coriander spice could heighten a man's sexual potency.

On a different note, coriander even rates a mention in the Old Testament. In Exodus, chapter 16, verse 31, it says that: "And the house of Israel called the name there of Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey."Cilantro has been used in Chinese cooking for hundreds of years. Like other ancient cultures, the Chinese valued cilantro for its medicinal and reputed aphrodisiacal qualities, as well as its distinctive flavor. In "Asian Ingredients", Ken Hom notes that cilantro is one of the few food herbs used in Chinese cooking.

More recently, coriander plants were flourishing in Massachussetts by the early 1600's, one of the first herbs grown by the American colonists. And seventeenth century Frenchmen used distilled coriander to make a type of liquor. Today, cilantro is cultivated in tropical and subtropical countries throughout the world.

Cilantro is a herb used worldwide. While often referred to as Chinese parsley in Asian cookbooks (Mexican parsley is another common nickname), cilantro has a stronger, more distinct flavor than parsley.Cilantro features prominently in Chinese cooking. Cilantro leaves and stems are frequently used to garnish Chinese salads, or chopped up and mixed in dressings and sauces. Cilantro is used in other South-east Asian cuisines as well. For example, cilantro roots make a pungent addition to Thai curries.Although cilantro comes from the coriander plant, the spice doesn't play a large role in Chinese cuisine.

In Chinese cookbooks you may find coriander described as a plant somewhat similar to parsley, with no mention made of the spice at all. And it is common to find recipes calling for fresh coriander, meaning cilantro leaves. While it would be inaccurate to say Chinese cooks never use coriander, it plays a greater role in Indian and Indonesian cuisines. In addition, coriander seeds impart a lemony flavor to many Thai dishes.

Formulating a Working Thesis (Assignment #4)

(I had trouble linking the file at home, so I just C & P'ed the assignment.)
QUESTIONS FOR ASSIGNMENT #4:

1. Topic/Subject: gacaca," the community-building strategy that Rwanda has been using post-genocide to repair its communities from the inside out
2. Who is involved? What parties/groups are acting against or with one another? Perhaps the greatest conflict has been between women and men. Women, who have always been somewhat inferior within the tribal structure, are now taking on leadership positions as community "matriarchs," making political and social decisions within the community. This is a point of contention for many traditional tribal members; however, the empowerment of women is helping Rwanda heal after the 1994 genocide. Also involved in the "conflict" would be all of the academics and policy-makers currently debating the most effective ways to repair nations/communities after ethnic cleansing.
3. What is the conflict/issue? The issue at hand is how is it possible to heal the economy, communities, and social structure of a nation recovering from genocide? Of course, there is the prospect of foreign aid workers/trainers coming into these struggling regions and helping citizens piece their lives back together; however, the issue is that these volunteers often do not understand the inner workings of societies at hand and, thus, are little help. In Rwanda's case, the country has been able to effectively plan and execute from the inside out.
4. When is the conflict going on? Identify the year the conflict began and time frame through which it spans. Late 1994 -present
5. Where is the conflict/issue taking place? If global, identify specific locations that require focus. Rwandan communities (each local community has a regional "counsel" operating under the gacaca legal system)
6. Why is this a relevant conflict/issue to me? We will soon have to deal with another country recovering from genocide (Sudan and, perhaps, the DR Congo), and learning lessons from similar situations can help the international community more effectively deal with struggling nations. In addition, I find the prospect of 100% local, community-driven law and conflict resolution a fascination prospect, one that I could learn a great deal from as I enter into the world of international politics.
7. Cause. (The conflict/issue began due to….) The struggle to repair relationships, both legal and social, after a genocide in Rwanda that pitted neighbor against neighbor and destroyed trust between family and friends. The challenge was to re-establish this trust and make sure that this trust filtered into other modes of re-building, such as economic.
8. Effects. (The conflict/issue has significance to...and ramifications that effect...) : Empowerment of women/changing role of women in Rwanda, new horizons for conflict resolution on an international scale.
9. My position/argument (If I have not established a position, I will explain why.) : I do not have a position yet because I need to do more research to evaluate whether the gacaca method of law/conflict resolution is actually working in Rwanda and whether it is even applicable to other countries in similar sociopolitical situations.
10. Type a Working Thesis: The self-sufficient and egalitarian nature of the gacaca method of law has not only allowed post-genocide Rwanda to rebuilt its infrastructure, but also provides a valuable model for rebuilding methods for future post-genocide nations.

1. Topic/Subject: a global history of cilantro (a.k.a. coriander) and how it is an early and prime example of globalization
2. Who is involved? What parties/groups are acting against or with one another? No real "conflict" here. The main parties involved would be goods traders and consumers
3. What is the conflict/issue? Do trading patterns, uses, opening of communication barriers associated with the trade of cilantro prove that globalization existed far before high technology and the Internet?
4. When is the conflict going on? Identify the year the conflict began and time frame through which it spans. B.C.E. (ancient cultures, such as Egypt and Mesopotamia) to present, but probably focusing mostly on B.C.E. to 1800/1900.
5. Where is the conflict/issue taking place? If global, identify specific locations that require focus. primarily Egypt; India; South America; and China (all users of cilantro at one time or another, for medicinal purposes and/or integrating it into traditional cooking).
6. Why is this a relevant conflict/issue to me? This example is a small way of showing global patterning, also in a way that hits home for those who use cilantro on a daily basis. Also, I want to examine whether globalization can be found in some form when luxury goods were a valuable commodity and technology wasn't available to carry out this global supply/demand.
7. Cause. (The conflict/issue began due to….): demand for the herb, desire for its unique traits (coolness, texture, faint taste, cleansing uses, etc.)
8. Effects. (The conflict/issue has significance to...and ramifications that effect...): Significant to modifying current arguments about globalization and how the phenomenon thrives on technology; if this thesis is proven, it means that old examples have to be integrated into current positions to form more hollistic approaches to the issue that the international community is facing right now. Also, cultural and other aspects may have to be more integrated into the argument at present.
9. My position/argument (If I have not established a position, I will explain why.) : Cilantro is an example of how globalization has roots in primitive trading.
10. Type a Working Thesis: Due to its trade history and cultural adaptability, the herb cilantro serves as a prime example of how globalization is not so much a modern, technologically induced phenomenon, so much as a long-time developing occurence.

February 4, 2008

Homework February 4, 2008 (Assignment #3)