To realize the promise of democracy we must learn to value ourselves and others as fully and equally human. But this belief is under serious assault today. Economic systems turn us into profit centers, political systems turn us into data points, communications systems turn us into users, even as relationships are replaced by transactions. One way we dehumanize others - individuals, communities and whole populations - is to label them as “less than” based on race, gender, class, education, nationality, etc. We can also turn ourselves into categories, labels, data points - objects of transaction, not relationships. And in universities and colleges, the humanities, including the arts, literature, philosophy, sacred scriptures, and poetry, are being marginalized with ever increasing speed.
With "Being Human Part I & Part II” we invite students to join us in learning how we can “be fully human” by experiencing different modes of engagement. These include reflection, readings, art, music, relationship building, and other forms of practice-oriented exercises.
In Being Human Part I (MLD 360) we get to know each other, co-create a brave space within which to learn, and explore how each of us actually experience ‘being human’ - or not. We reflect on the natural history of being human rooted in experience of being, feeling, and knowing. Recognizing ourselves as animals who have learned to achieve consciousness, are able to use language, story telling music, dance, visual arts, story, and philosophy to make meaning of ourselves, others, and the world in which we find ourselves.
In Being Human Part II (MLD 361) we engage with the ancient struggle between dehumanization and humanization: ways in which we may devalue one another as “less than” or as “objects” to be usefully deployed in how we interact with ourselves, our communities, and the systems within which we live, love, and work. At the same time we explore practices of value in rehumanizing ourselves, our communities, and our institutions.
Note: Participants are expected to take both Being Human Part I and Being Human Part II.
All students interested in enrolling in MLD-360M must submit a Student Commitment Form by midnight, November 1, 2026. Link to be posted on October 1.
Course is open by instructor consent.