East Asian History, Society, and Foodways: An NCTA Foundational Seminar for K-12 Educators

This foundational seminar led by Dr. David Dettmann and Margaret Lonzetta explores the historical, cultural, religious, political, and economic forces that have shaped East Asian foodways, from antiquity to the present. Participants will examine the origins of agriculture and ancient cuisines, the influence of empires and religious traditions on food production and consumption, and the ways food has reflected social values and political power in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. The course also investigates the roles of trade, markets, famine, revolution, and war in transforming food systems before concluding with East Asia's emergence on the global culinary stage, where its cuisines have become influential expressions of cultural identity, economic exchange, and international diplomacy.

• • Starts:
  • October 17, 2026
• • Ends:
  • January 9, 2026
• • Learning Format:
  • Hybrid
• • Location details:
  • Online via Zoom and on the University of Pennsylvania Campus
• • Type of Course:
  • Seminars & Short Courses
• • Offered to:
  • Alabama, Delaware, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia
• • Registration and Info:

  • Seminar meets in person Saturdays, 9am-4pm Oct 17, Nov. 14 and Dec. 5 with a follow up Jan. 9. Online session are Tuesdays, 5:30pm-8:30pm ET Oct. 27, Nov. 10, and Dec. 1.

    Application deadline Oct. 2nd or until course fills.