Reserve Your Place
Pull up a seat at the table for dinner and conversation that sparks new ideas and lasting connections. Each dinner is limited in size and guest lists are curated — so every evening brings together a genuinely diverse mix of people and perspectives. Register your interest below and we’ll be in touch.
Upcoming Course & Discourse
In the Name Of: Organized Religion in Modern Life
Saturday July 11, 7pm
Attendance is down, but belief is not. Across America, people are leaving institutional religion in record numbers — and yet questions of faith, meaning, community, and transcendence are as alive as ever. What does organized religion offer that nothing else quite replaces? What does it ask that some are no longer willing to give? Join for a conversation that takes religion seriously without taking sides — whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between.
Our City, Their Vote: DC Home Rule and the 2026 Elections
Saturday August 29, 7pm
Washington DC pays federal taxes, sends citizens to war, and has no voting representation in Congress. In 2026, both the DC Mayor's race and the DC Observer seat in Congress are on the ballot — making this an unusually live moment to ask: who really governs this city, and what would it mean to change that? Join for a conversation about local democracy, home rule, and what it means to be a citizen of a city that the rest of the country still debates.
Behind Closed Doors: Gay Dinner Parties in DC History
Saturday June 27, 7pm
Washington has long been a city where power is brokered over a meal. For for the LGBTQ+ community, the dinner table was something more: a sanctuary, a salon, and a site of quiet resistance. From the Dupont Circle gatherings of the 1970s to the intimate dinners that shaped the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, the private table has been a place where community was built when public space was unsafe. Join us for Pride month to explore this hidden history — and to ask what the dinner party still means today.
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.
The Missus: Beyond the Roles, Norms, and Stereotypes
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.
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 with your curiosity primed.
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 not wheelchair accessible. For organization and partnership events, we can come to your space.
How much does it cost?
The suggested contribution 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 in touch.
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 Partner With Us page for details, or reach out directly at hello@courseanddiscourse.com.