This course will study a series of literary works that engage with the idea of being human. At the center of our course of study is an exploration of the many intersecting elements that could be said to make us human, such as grief, love, anger, selfishness, envy, empathy, cruelty, reason, confusion, memory, imagination, an appreciation of beauty, morality, and endurance through suffering. Some works study humanity as revealed in grand and noble gestures, terrible crimes, or tragic self-destruction; others focus on ordinariness and reveal that the mundane can be extraordinary in revealing the essence of humanity in both its brokenness and its goodness. We will examine the way stories and poetry can open up a space for us to understand the complexity of humankind. Note: course meetings will occur at the Washington State Penitentiary, and the class will be composed of incarcerated and non-incarcerated students. Students must follow all rules and guidelines of the Penitentiary. Consent of the instructor is required, and students must also submit to, and pass, a criminal background check conducted by the Penitentiary. All semester, the course will meet at a non-standard time. Interested students should contact the instructor as soon as possible.
Consent of instructor.