Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Department

Diversity and Community Studies

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Sharing a meal is a simple, yet sacred occasion. It is a universal act that is important to building relationships within people groups. Intentionally eating together creates time and space to engage in the spiritual and intellectual levels that are unique to human beings. Sharing food cultivates community because the implications of the meal extend beyond the time of eating together. While there are other places people meet, gathering around a meal is the most accessible because if nothing else, everyone must eat. Through participant observation and personal interviews, this CE/T project explores four meals to determine how eating together creates common space and develops community. This research will be used to facilitate other groups to who wish create their own meal tradition as a means to build or perpetuate relationships.

Advisor(s) or Committee Chair

Dr. Paul Markham

Disciplines

Critical and Cultural Studies | International and Intercultural Communication | Interpersonal and Small Group Communication | Social and Cultural Anthropology

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