HOX ZODIAC

This was my first time taking a seminar course and I really enjoyed my experience in this class this quarter. 

Hox Zodiac is an exciting way to combine science and humanities through one of the most fulfilling sources of expression: Food. In many cultures, food holds a very sacred place in many cultures, and often is the center of festivities. Ex: Thanksgiving in the United States is a holiday celebrated with a large feast, in Italy, Sundays are celebrated with a long meal with many courses.

Throughout the quarter,  Professor Vesna was an excellent lecturer who showed a genuine interest in the concept of Hox zodiac. I learned a lot from her, and I discovered how important the Hox Zodiac is to our identity. I honestly didn't know much about the Hox Zodiac, nor did I realize there were certain dishes associated with each zodiac. Because this lesson was so engaging, I decided to learn more about my zodiac sign.

During our last class meeting, we had the opportunity to hear presentations form students in Professor Vesna’s other class. Our assignment was to give them feedback and write a blog about it. We got to hear three presentations that were all very unique in their own way and revolved around culture and history of certain foods.

On March 7, 2023, which was our last day of class, Professor Vesna invited a few students from her Design Media Arts class to present their final projects to us which were related to food and hox zodiac. The first presentation was by Charles and Rachel, the second presentation was by Colette and Peyton, and the final presentation was by Aileen, Junie and Stella.

I enjoyed all three of the class presentations we received during class and I love that they brought in the food from their presentations to share with the class because it made me feel as if I was there during their actual dinner. 

I enjoyed all three of the class presentations we received during class and I love that they brought in the food from their presentations to share with the class because it made me feel as if I was there during their actual dinner. 

Hi! My name is Victoria, and I am a first-year biochemistry major! I was born in 2004 which was the year of the monkey. I took this class because I have always been really interested in food studies. Food plays such a large role in our lives, and I think that it’s a mistake to overlook its place in fields such as science, art, and history. I thought this class would be a great opportunity to look at the connection between Chinese zodiac signs and food.

For our last class, Professor Vesna invited students from her Design Media Arts class to give a presentation about their own HOX Zodiac dinners that they hosted and a type of food that was important to the group. Similar to our own class meeting, they also brought in food to share with the class. 

Hi my name is Emma and I'm a third year student studying Anthropology as my major and Food Studies as my minor. I have always been passionate about food, and specifically the intersection of food culture and science. This class has been incredibly fascinating to me as it has showed me so many new ways in how they are connected. 

During our last meeting of the quarter students from another one of Professor Vesna's classes came in and gave presentations about food that was significant to them. Their project was to host a HOX zodiac dinner of their own and present about what they prepared and why. They also offered some bites to the class, which I really enjoyed. 
 

Hi! My name is Sanyukta and I am currently a freshman student majoring in Biochemistry.

Hox Zodiac - The Year of the Dragon and Snake

This was an interesting presentation focused on the Zodiac signs, the Dragon and Snake, and their specific food palettes. I learned that the Year of the Snake tend to incorporate foods with a bitter taste so wheat, barley, and buckwheat noodles are ideal.

          I enjoyed the class presentations from all three groups, I found their topics to be insightful and thought provoking. For the first presentation by Charles & Rachel, I enjoyed how they incorporated their cultural foods into the dinner - korean food and ingredients for Rachel and Chinese/Vietnamese foods and ingredients for Charles.