In the last 100 years, we have become increasingly aware of the consequences of scientific and technological knowledge. Benefits, such as the reduction of childhood mortality, are indisputable. But other advances, such as greatly increased life spans, bring mixed blessings. Longer lives weigh down support systems, and many of the elderly endure pain in their later years. Other byproducts of “advances” cast a shadow over our planet: nuclear weaponry, micro plastics, and global warming. In this short course, we examine two papal encyclicals: John Paul II’s Fides et ratio and Francis’s Ladauto sí and explore how they bear on the question of science, technology, and the good life.

We will be focusing on healthy eating habits, but the most important thing is that what you make tastes great! Classes will include knife skills, adapting recipes to make them better for YOU, and learning new techniques to make you a better cook. I have taken cooking classes in France and will bring my experiences to the classroom. My range of cooking is wide, and it includes the best the Midwest has to offer. In at least half of the classes, we will finish with a sit-down meal. The rest of the classes will include eating up the fruits of our labors, always a tasty bite or two. This is hands-on, and everyone will work at the prep table and the stove. Limit of 12 people. $20 fee for food.