GEMS 208 - The Science and Culture of Coffee: Costa Rica

This course is grounded in science. We will explore how science is done using coffee as the vehicle. In addition, as the title indicates, we will learn about the historical aspects of coffee, in which we will explore global trade, human rights, and history as we learn how coffee has influenced society. We will first spend about 8 days on Hope’s campus exploring the history and science of coffee through lecture, discussion and experimentation. Students will learn how to roast, grind and brew their own coffee. Following this, we will embark on a 9 day tour of Costa Rica where we will learn about the coffee industry there, visit the Starbucks coffee research facility, volunteer at a coffee farm, visit the National Institute of Coffee, and participate in some ecotourism activities. A point of emphasis for the course will be the hands-on experience in sustainable coffee production.

Credits: 3
Terms Offered: Summer
Attributes: Natural Science with Lab (NSL)
Corequisites: GEMS 208L