2013-2014 Academic Catalog

May 10, 2024

2013-2014 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

IDND 022 - Writing:

Fall 2013 - Reading and Writing Illness
The literature of illness is unique. Uniting the oft-opposed sciences and humanities, it juxtaposes some of the most advanced and technical dimensions of the medical industry with some of the most fundamental aspects of what it means to be human: to feel pain and empathy, to contemplate mortality and suffering, to navigate rationality, social conventions, and the loss of such parameters. Through discussions and a variety of writing assignments, we will engage this literature with two aims. From a literary perspective, we will investigate and explore the various forms and techniques authors employ to construct and depict illness and consider how literary conventions meld with science and medicine. From a larger humanist perspective, we will address questions of how we as individuals and societies write and talk about illness; how we as readers read and react to it; and how these works influence our understanding not only of illness but of ourselves and others.

Fall 2013 - Writing Sense of Place
The literature of place and nature is vast. Here is a sampling of some favorite writers who have a special connection to, and reverence for, the earth. To narrow our focus, think of this class as a trek into hidden corners, and sprawling vistas of North America. Class investigations of nature and place will center on responses in our Reading/Writing Journals and group discussion of readings. Each member of the class will have a turn teaching/leading group discussion alone or with a partner. Nonfiction is the primary literary genre you will study. Portions of this course will be run as a writing workshop to help you through all the steps in the writing process: planning, drafting, revising and editing.

Prerequisites:

Verbal Expression placement or previous completion of IDND 18

Program of Liberal Studies (PLS) Designation: VE

Anticipated Terms Offered: Fall 2013