The Harvard University Summer School “Beauty, Community and Innovation” makes a stop at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo on Wednesday, 25 June

Thirty students from the prestigious U.S. university, accompanied by Prof. Francesco Erspamer, are travelling through Italy on an educational tour to discover beauty, its meaning and its history.

 

On Wednesday, 25 June, the University of Pollenzo will host a group of 30 students from Harvard University, led by Francesco Erspamer, Professor of Romance Languages and Literatures, for a day dedicated to exploring the relationships among taste, beauty, culture, and conviviality.

The historic U.S. institution has organized the Summer School “Beauty, Community and Innovation”, which, during June, July, and August, takes a select group of students on an educational journey through Italian centers of excellence.

This summer course addresses topics of aesthetics, social cooperation, and cultural and environmental economics, in particular aiming to analyze the role of beauty and its connection with both innovation and community-building, as well as its importance as a practice of care for others and the world.
The affinity with the University of Pollenzo is, therefore, powerful, as these themes are deeply woven into its educational approach.

In Pollenzo, the U.S. delegation will be welcomed by Rector Nicola Perullo, who will open the day with a brief lecture on the connection between the experiences of taste, beauty, and wisdom. Prof. Lorenzo Bairati will then introduce the main differences in food and law between the European and American models.

There will also be contributions from Dr. Elena Mancioppi on the socio-political aspects of smell, Dr. Riccardo Migliavada on food psychology and dietary choices, and Dr. Elena Corcione on the theme of food and rights.
Prof. Simone Cinotto, Delegate for Internationalisation, will conclude with a greeting and a reflection on the meaning of the Italian style in cuisine and gastronomy.

The Summer School “Beauty, Community and Innovation” includes lectures, expert talks, visits, and activities designed to deepen students’ understanding of Italy’s artistic heritage and contemporary society. The program will also visit the cities of Turin, Trento, and Siena.