Other Languages, Other Cultures

Spring 2023 Lecture Series
Spring 2023 Lecture Series

Join us for a lecture series on literal and figurative border crossings and cross-cultural experiences — French cuisine in America; bilingualism in America; the patron saint of river crossings in Europe. All talks are approved for Core.

The first talk will illustrate the influence of French food in the U.S.; the second will help students to understand the value of bilingualism and its importance in the U.S.; and the third will expose students to the veneration of patron saints and their iconography in European countries. These presentations will expose students to research in diverse disciplines (food culture and history; linguistics and language teaching and learning; religious studies and religious art) across different languages and cultures. Questions? Contact the Department Chair at Stacy.Hoult@valpo.edu.

Saint John Nepomuk – Awarded with Five Stars

Lecture postponed until Fall 2024

Dr. Iris Dostal-Melchinger
Josef Eberle Visiting Scholar
Diocesan Museum of Rottenburg, Germany


French Food: European Domination to American Fascination, Decline, and Enduring Fingerprint
French Food Core approved

January 23: 6 – 7:30 pm, Mueller Hall Refectory
Chef Christopher Koetke
Chef Koetke is a VU French Alum, author, former executive director of the Kendall College School of Culinary Arts in Chicago, and current Corporate Executive Chef at Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc.


Go Bilingual and You’ll Go Farther (virtual lecture)
Go Bilingual and You'll Go Farther Core approved

February 21: 6 – 7 pm
Duesenberg Recital Hall, VUCA
OR join via Zoom here
Steve Leveen
Mr. Leveen is the founder of the America the Bilingual Project and author of America’s Bilingual Century