This course is an introduction to the humanities through the study of spirituality and mysticism. You will be encouraged to think openly, beyond the boundaries of the field of literature, and to explore materials in other fields, such as philosophy, theology, art, and music; this has been traditionally termed "history of ideas." "Spirituality" is a hot issue at the present time; we will discuss why. We will do a good deal of reading, look at some film, some art, and listen to some music. Since the chief purpose of a college education is to acquire the ability to analyze, we will spend a good deal of time reading texts, some more difficult than others, and then explore issues raised in discussion in the written essay.
Attendance:
Students are expected to attend class regularly. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class meeting. If you miss more than six class meetings, you will fail the course. Lateness will have a similar effect. If you are sick or have an emergency which forces you to miss more than two consecutive classes, call the Office of Student Affairs and let them know. This way, they will contact all of your instructors, and you might not be held accountable for those absences. Don't disappear for two weeks and then reappear, expecting everything to be all right.