Walking - as metaphor and experience - may connote freedom, exploration, or resistance. You can "walk tall," "walk on your own two feet," "walk away," "walk a mile in someone's shoes." You can have a "walk-on" part in a play, or "walk off" your anger. In some ancient societies teachers walked as they taught their students or disciples. In Europe during Middle Ages, sinners were sometimes sent on a long pilgrimage in order to restore their souls and their relationships with their community. Scientific research shows that walking positively affects emotion and cognition. In this course we will read two books, Rebecca Solnit's, Wanderlust: A History of Walking and Lewis, Aydin, and Powell's "March: Book Two." In addition, we will read, discuss, and analyze literature from a variety of sources: journalism, history, memoir, poetry, and scientific research. Because this course will involve students studying from campus and remotely, we will be "walking together in our imaginations" as well as solo wherever we are - so this course will be involve your mind and your body.
- Instructor of record: Jennifer Walters