tl;dr: Drink Tea + Learn about Tea + Be Uncle Iroh from Avatar the Last Airbender.
This class is an exploration of tea. We will learn about and taste different categories of tea, specifically studying what tea actually is; the history of its production and distribution; the difference between camellia sinensis, tisanes, chrysanthemum, and mint; the effect of different regions, soil, air quality, and processing on the tea; and the processes like oxidation, fermentation, and pan frying. Furthermore, students will learn how to make tea, using different tea vessels and tea steeping methods. Finally, this class will also ask students to be mindful while drinking tea, emphasizing the ways mindfulness can change the experience of drinking tea, and the historical relationship between Chan Buddhism and tea.

Attendance mandatory (each week, we'll try a new tea)
2 Short Reflections

NOTE: The first class is in Dwinelle 247, but our second class and onwards will be held at Universal Chan (1436 University Ave), about a 15 minute walk, 8 minute bus from campus. We will organize carpool / bussing together.

First come, first serve. Info Session + First tasting on January 30th. Come to receive enrollment code.