Feb. 2, 2006

J-Terminology

Culture in Spain, Wine on the Finger Lakes, and for those not enrolled, one really long break

by PAUL RUTTER
rutterp@marietta.edu

Science & Wine-Making

When then idea of the J-Term was presented to the faculty, assistant professor of chemistry Don Carpenetti wanted a way to tie an off campus trip to chemistry. “Other than sun tan lotion [and of course the beaches it implies] the only thing I could think of was wine,” said Carpenetti, “And I really couldn’t stretch the sun tan lotion chemistry into a whole week of classes.”

Thus, NSCI 194, Science & Wine-Making was created. The class was held in upstate New York, approximately a half an hour away from Seneca Lake, a 38-mile-long, glacier carved body of water up to 618 ft. deep.

“The amount of water there is what’s important to the wine making,” said Carpenetti. The lake helps stabilize the temperature in the region making it an ideal place for growing grapes. As a result, there are over 50 wineries along the lake, making it the perfect place to go and, err… study.

And study the class of NSCI 194 did! For nearly two weeks Carpenetti and his four pupils visited vineyards and wineries, learning about the biology of growing grapes, the chemical process of fermentation and winemaking, and the positive and negative effects of alcohol on the body.

The class also studied dining etiquette and how to distinguish wines by taste. After all, said Carpenetti “experiencing the taste of the different wines is an integral part of having an appreciation for the science of making them.”

Junior Eric Finn didn’t really care for wine before enrolling in the course. After his coursework, however, he admitted, “I have a better feel for what goes into making wine and a better taste for the different kinds of wine.” Proof that field experience does work. A toast to hands-on-learning!

Civilizations and Cultures of Spain

Evening Reflections

As evening approaches, the entire city of Madrid undergoes a complete a transformation. Stores and offices close their doors and disappear behind roll-down metal security gates. At the same time, many of the bars and cafes are turning on their lights and opening their doors for the first time all day. What was a familiar street during the day turns into something entirely new at night.

At night, Madrid shines, and becomes a sea of neon lights and motion. From 9 p.m. until well after midnight the streets are crowded with well-dressed men and women. Spaniards normally do not entertain their guests in home. Instead they frequent the countless bars and cafés in Madrid, which has the most bars per capita of any European city.

The best bars have floors littered with napkins, as customers tend to toss their trash on the ground instead of finding a garbage can. Consequently, Madrid has an efficient army of green vested street cleaners always on duty.
Evening festivities for Spaniards often do not end until 5 or 6 in the morning.

Paul Rutter was one of 21 students signed up for the SPAN 194 J-Term course, “Civilizations and Cultures of Spain.” The group spent nearly two weeks in Madrid, Spain studying the physical and human geography, anthropology, history, religion, politics, languages, and arts of the Iberian country.