The MayX course "Coffee Culture: Past to Present, Farm to Cup" at Furman University delves deep into the historical, economic, and social complexities of coffee, a $200 billion global commodity. Guided by professors Kelsey Hample and Tuğçe Kayaal, 14 students explored coffee's intricate history from its colonial roots to its contemporary cultural significance. The course included visits to local coffee roasteries and discussions with Furman alumni involved in the coffee trade, providing students with hands-on experiences and direct industry insights. The professors emphasized the labor-intensive nature of coffee cultivation, highlighting the economic disparities faced by coffee farmers. Discussions also touched upon the ethical implications of coffee consumption, prompting students to consider the broader impact of their daily caffeine habits on farmers' livelihoods. The course fostered a sense of community and emphasized the importance of ethical consumption and fair trade, aiming to build lasting relationships with local coffee businesses and contribute to a more just global coffee economy.
Enjoying the read? Subscribe for free to one of the fastest-growing newsletters and get weekly coffee news (TL;DR updates) delivered right to your inbox.