Art of Tea

Tea has long been recognized for its healthful qualities, and a growing body of research supports its role as part of a healthy diet. However, tea has also been enjoyed as a way to cultivate the mind. In this four-hour workshop we will explore the history and aesthetics of Chinese tea. You will learn about the fundamentals of tea, including the six major classifications of tea, tea cultivation, history, and the elements of tea preparation. The workshop will include a sensory tasting and hands-on instruction in the art of gong fu tea brewing. There will be a $10 material fee for this class as students will be able to taste varieties of tea and tea snacks and take home small packages of tea samples. This class is part of the Chinese Cultural Seminar Series (CCSS). About the Instructor: Robin Stevens, MA Asian Studies, is a former Fulbright scholar to Taiwan, where she conducted research on tea culture and history, specializing in tea-art teahouses (chayiguan). She has written a number of trade articles about Chinese tea for the U.S. tea market since 2002, as well as given lectures and conducted sensory tea tastings for a variety of audiences. In her professional capacity, she is Test Development Manager for Rosetta Stone. To register for this course, please email Catherine Ng at extadmin@fivebranches.edu or call the San Jose Administration Office at (408) 345-2654. DISCOUNTS: 10% Early Registration (one month prior to beginning of the class), 20% FBU MTCM students/Alumni Date: Saturday, November 16, 1-5pm Cost: $50 + $10 material fee payable to instructor To Register: http://www.fivebranches.edu/extension/extension-calendar/3023#cid86