Indiana University/Purdue University at Indianapolis

School of Tourism, Events, and Sports Management (TESM)

SYLLABUS:   TESM - 385 SPIRITS OF THE WORLD (22746)

Instructor:   Bob Knauff                                      Health Sciences Building 2nd Floor

Email Address:          rknauff@iupui.edu                              1050 Wishard Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46202

Phone (Text):             (317) 694-8137                                 Mondays 6:00 p.m. to 8:40 p.m.

Office Hours:             By Appointment                                Aug 25, 2025–Dec 15,2025

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Prerequisite:               21 Years of Age

Content:                      Topics will include Spirits History, Spirit Categories, Spirits Creation,

                                    Culinary Pairing & Mixology.

Objectives:

• Identify the various categories of spirits.  Discuss the background of spirits to historical events and current trends.
• Examine how Spirits are created from Raw Materials, Fermentation, Distillation, and Maturation (aging).    
• Classroom learning will include Tasting techniques, Food Pairing, and Mixology.
• Apply the above knowledge to further their enjoyment of fine spirits in various applications.

 Grading Components:

• Quizzes (40%)                                                   400 points
• 2 Projects (30%)                                               300 points
• Final Exam (20%)                                              200 points
• Attendance / Participation (10%)                   100 points

Note:  Quizzes and Final will be taken during class.  If you miss the quiz due absence (expected or unexpected), you need to take the quiz before the next class.  Contact me to set up a scheduled time to take the quiz. A 10% penalty will be assessed for each week beyond when the quiz was missed. 

Reference Texts: (Purchase Not Required)

• Blue, Anthony Dias., The Complete Book Of Spirits,  HarperCollins, NY. 2004
• Broom, Dave., Distilling Knowledge: A Professional Guide to Spirits & Liqueurs, Wine & Spirits Education Trust, London, 2006

• Drinkwell_TM   Basics Of Spirits, Cocktails, Mixology & Hospitality, Beverage Alcohol Resources, NY. 2006
• Katsigris, Costas,/Thomas, Chris, The Bar & Beverage Book, John Wiley & Sons Inc, NJ. 2012
• Giglio, Anthony/Meehan, Jim, Mr. Boston’s Official Bartenders Guide, John Wiley & Sons Inc, NJ. 2009
• Tastings.com:   https://www.tastings.com/Home.aspx
  • • In link, click on LEARN and in drop down, select "about Spirits"

Syllabus Supplement:  For additional information regarding the syllabus, please select “Syllabus Supplement” on Canvas under the TCEM 385 Course for Fall 2024, or connect to the hyperlink below:

https://academicaffairs.iupui.edu/AcademicResources/Resources-for-Faculty.

Note:  IUPUI is a Tobacco Free Campus.   The State Law enacted July 1, 2012 makes smoking in IUPUI facilities or within 8 feet of any public entrance illegal.   You may be subject to a fine.  The IUPUI Tobacco Free Policy states that:   Tobacco use or sale, including, but not limited to smoking, is prohibited on university-owned, -operated, -or leased property.  Refraining from tobacco use on campus makes IUPUI a place where a healthy choice is an easy choice. That ultimately benefits us all.  http://smokefree.iupui.edu