MLD-360M: Being Human

Course Description

We must see ourselves and others as fully and equally human if we are to realize the promise of democracy. But this understanding is in deep peril today. Economic systems turn us into profit centers, political systems turn us into data points, communications systems turn us into users, and even relationships are replaced by transactions. The old way of dehumanizing others - individuals and whole populations - is labeling them as “less than” based on race, gender, class, education, nationality, etc. And in universities and colleges, humanistic studies like the arts, literature, philosophy, sacred scriptures, and poetry, get marginalized with ever increasing speed.

With "Being Human” we invite students to join us in learning how we can “be fully human” by introducing the humanistic lens through a variety of modes of engagement. These include reflection, readings, art, music, relationship building, and other forms of practice-oriented exercises. One focus of the co-curricular will be on examining ways in which we dehumanize each other and experimenting with ways to rehumanize ourselves.

See this presentation created by Head Teaching Fellow Taarini Goyal and Teaching Fellow Alyssa Ashcraft to learn more.