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Email |
mals@wfu.edu |
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(336)
758-5232 |
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(336)
758-4669 |
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MALS,
PO 6103
Wake
Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC 27109 |
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Spring 2007 Courses
MLS 774 The History and Culture of Venice
Venice is a miraculous city, where palaces filled with priceless artistic treasures rise in the most improbable way from the ocean, where streets are water and boats replace cars, and where for centuries some of the world’s greatest works of art and music were created. This course is an in-depth introduction to Venetian culture and history, ranging from its unlikely origins in the lagoon in the Seventh Century to the present day. Musical and visual masterpieces will be viewed in cultural and historical context. Emphasis will be placed on the period of 1450 to 1800, including works by Giovanni Bellini, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, Canova, and compositions by Garieli, Monteverdi, Vivaldi, Marcello and others.
MLS 816 Life on a Small Planet: Environment, Science, & Politics
Both nationally and globally we are faced with numerous environmental challenges, including loss of biodiversity, water and fuel shortages, air and water pollution, and global climate change. Environmental problems are almost always interdisciplinary in nature, involving scientific, economic and political dimensions. Polarization also often occurs when environmental issues are presented and discussed. Through background readings, presentations, class discussions, and pro/con debates, we will explore various environmental challenges and the potential solutions
MLS 817 Living in Mortal Time: Clinical & Literary Approaches
The purpose of this course is to explore how the awareness of mortality informs our living. We begin with the concept of mortal time. By “mortal time” we mean the experience of human beings confronting the prospect of imminent death. This concept will be illuminated by focusing on a number of specific questions: How is one to live knowing that one is to die soon? How is one to shepherd a loved one who has entered mortal time? What do people living with mortal illness have to teach us about living close to death? What is the function of empathy in the face of mortal time? What is the function of platitudes in helping people face death? What does literature have to teach us about living in mortal time? What do various religious traditions teach about living in mortal time? In seeking answers to these and related questions, we will draw upon class discussions of clinical studies and a wide selection of literary texts as well as philosophical reflections on the living and dying we call mortal time. A selection of texts for the course may include the following: Mortally Wounded by Michael Kearney, Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion, and Immortality by Milan Kundera.
MLS 818 Contemporary Shamanism in a Global Perspective
This course will introduce students to cultural, religious, social, and historical aspects of indigenous healers (also known as shamans, medicine women/men, or wisdom keepers) and their healing practices. These practices often include a deep knowledge of plants and other biological healing substances, psychological and spiritual insights, and visionary experiences. We will begin with an overview of seminal studies of shamanism by European trained scholars, and explore contemporary Western explanations of the spectrum of healing techniques subsumed under the popular notion of “shamanism.” We will then explore descriptions and autobiographies by indigenous healers from around the globe, and contrast their voices with Western studies. In the final section of the course, students will study the resurgence of indigenous healing methods across the world as an alternative to European-based medicine. We will look at a range of responses, from shallow New Age appropriations and the presence of fraudulent “plastic shamans” to serious studies by Western trained medical researchers. The course will be conducted with a strong emphasis on class discussions and the careful analysis of reading assignments. No previous knowledge of indigenous world views and interdisciplinary cultural studies is required.
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