PSELPC335 - Introduction to Professional Cooking Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning

Semester Credits: 6

Contact Hours: 45

Prerequisites:

Description: 6 semester credits. This course is the first out of three about Professional Cooking and its aim is to introduce students to culinary fundamentals.
The structure of the classical kitchen will be compared to the contemporary one in order to understand the differences in the organization of the brigade. The role of the Chef will be explained and discussed.
Tools and equipment use, weights, measures and recipe conversion will be explained and practiced.
 This course will provide the first basic information about seasonings and flavorings and the application of herbs and spices in the kitchen.
 Students will approach cooking thanks to a careful analysis of knife skills, principles of cooking and basic cooking techniques, that include eggs, vegetables, pasta and meat cookery. Special emphasis will be placed on methods and procedures rather than on the complete preparation of finished dishes. A special focus will be put on kitchen cleaning, sanitation, maintenance and personal safety. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.