Travel, by nature, initiates a moral, cultural, and somatic (bodily) confrontation with “other” (places, people, food, culture, political systems, etc). This immersive change renders us vulnerable and threatens personal, social, and cultural serenity. We will read plays (Italian, American, and others as relevant) as the lens through which we explore how travel changes and informs our sense of self (i.e. cultural/political assumptions; basic moral beliefs and their metaphysical assumptions; and Persona (Jungian definition)). We will consider how art struggles with nihilism: “the fear that our lives and the world itself may be meaningless.” Through the plays, analysis, and reflection we consider two paths of response: Live life to stay out of trouble OR Delve into the shadow and live life to look for trouble.
Satisfies Theatre lit/crit requirement or upper division elective for Theatre majors, Fine Arts requirement for non-majors, International Cultures and Structures, or IN350 requirement.
Travel course as part of Summer Program: Urbania, Italy 2013. All travel fees available at www.millikin.edu/entrepreneurship. Registration with Center for Entrepreneurship required. Deposit due March 1, 2013.