Upcoming Course & Discourse

The Missus: Beyond the Roles, Norms, and Stereotypes

Saturday May 2, 7pm

May is for Mother’s Day! Tradwives’ professed desire for a return to simpler times stands in contrast to feminist ideals and progress towards an equitable system. How is there a conversation about differently shaped families — single mothers, two fathers, chosen families — at the same time as the concept of tradwives gains popularity? Join a conversation where we break down the loud stereotypes and expectations and the quiet concerns about gender and gender roles today.

More Than the Game: Sports Diplomacy

Saturday June 13, 7pm

The Winter Olympics kick off 2026, the World Cup follows months later: global sporting events offer moments to compete, to bond, and to interact on a world stage. Politics and athletics are deeply intertwined. What opportunities do these events create for diplomacy, and where do tensions emerge? Join to explore sports as an opportunity for soft power, a universal language, and, at times, a risk for corruption.

Fear in an Age of Uncertainty

Saturday July 11, 7pm

From political volatility to climate anxiety, technological disruption to rapid cultural change: today's defining issues carry the common undercurrent of uncertainty. Join for a discussion about the role fear plays in shaping our decisions, our institutions, and our sense of the future. We'll consider when fear is useful, when it misleads us, and how societies navigate moments of profound change.

Claim Your Seat

Select the dinner(s) that interest you and share a little about yourself. We curate each guest list to ensure a diversity of backgrounds and viewpoints. We’ll confirm your place as soon as we can.

The suggested donation is $99, which covers dinner and the evening’s programming. If cost is a barrier, please register anyways. Participation matters more than payment.

Past Course & Discourse

What is Art?

“What is Art?” Is a can of tomato soup art by itself, or only if Andy Warhol paints it? Last year Sotheby's sold a piece called Comedian, a $0.35 banana duct taped to a wall, for $6.2 million and the buyer ate it. Who decides that is art?

Me, Myself, and AI

AI is everywhere. Maybe ChatGPT has become your new assistant or perhaps Gemini helps you digest Google search results. The job you have wants you to integrate AI tools and work more efficiently. The job you’re applying for states “no generative AI cover letters accepted.” Join for a conversation on the utility of AI in personal and professional life.

Roses are red, violets are blue, do chocolate and oysters promise more than they do? Do aphrodisiacs offer psychological and physiological effects, or only placebo? Join for a conversation that starts in the history of aphrodisiacs and moves through a conversation on the intersection of alternative medicines, desperation, and wishful thinking.

Love Potions: Facts and Fictions of Aphrodisiacs

Black, and White, and Grey All Over: Nuance in a Polarized World

One theory says that media tells people what to think about, rather than what to think. Outlets compete for viewers, meet commercial incentives, and fulfill neverending demands for the newest, first, most clickable articles. In a segment on NASA, do we need to pitch to the flat-earthers in the name of balance? Join for a conversation with journalists and media consumers alike on the role of media, the role of the consumer, and how to approach the sensationalized news of the day.

Frequently asked questions

What is Course & Discourse?

A dinner and dialogue series that combines a thoughtfully cooked multi-course meal with a facilitated conversation on a topic that surprises, connects, and inspires. Think Parisian salon meets Washington dinner party.

Who attends?

Curious people from all backgrounds: artists and analysts, scientists and storytellers, longtime Washingtonians and recent arrivals. Guest lists are curated to ensure a genuine diversity of perspectives, ages, and professional backgrounds. No two dinners are the same.

Which topics are discussed?

Topics span the arts, sciences, culture, and current events — sometimes timely, sometimes timeless, always designed to surprise and connect. Past dinners have explored what counts as art, AI in daily life, and media polarization.

How do I prepare?

Before each dinner you’ll receive a few suggested sparks, perhaps a podcast episode, an article, or even a local field trip, to get your wheels turning on the evening’s topic. There’s no homework; the sparks are simply an invitation to arrive curious.

Where are the dinners held?

Individual dinners are held at the host’s table in Northwest Washington, D.C. — an intimate residential dining room designed to make everyone feel at home. Please note the building is historic with stairs and is not currently wheelchair accessible. For organizational and partnership events, we can come to your space.

What does it cost?

The suggested donation is $99, which covers dinner, drinks, and the evening’s programming. Course & Discourse operates on a pay-what-you-wish basis. If cost is a barrier to participation, please register anyway. Your presence at the table is what matters.

What if I have dietary restrictions or don't drink?

Both are warmly accommodated. Complete the questionnaire after registering to share any allergies, dietary restrictions, or preferences. Non-alcoholic options are always available.

What if I don't get a seat?

Because we curate guest lists to ensure diversity of background and viewpoint, we may not be able to accommodate everyone for their first-choice dinner. If that happens, we’ll do our best to secure your place at an upcoming event. Joining the mailing list is the best way to stay close.

Do you work with organizations or companies?

Yes! We design and facilitate custom conversations for corporate retreats, think tank convenings, cultural events, and institutional partnerships. See our For Organizations page for details, or reach out directly at hello@courseanddiscourse.com.