NEW! HSP Deep Dive Seminar
The social, economic, religious, and political instability of the Renaissance informed some of the most brilliantly anxious literature in the history of England. As some authors strained to construct coherent identities, hierarchies, and worldviews, others challenged received notions about what is sacred, natural, or true. In the midst of such tensions the writers we will discuss produced gorgeous, funny, complicated, disturbing, and infinitely interesting works of poetry, prose, and drama. Our focus will be on the conjunction of violence, gender, and the unknown. We will study the relation of the monstrous to the feminine, to race, and to nationalism; the historical relation of the monstrous to violence and social control; and the role of literature in shaping those relations. Throughout our exploration, we will consider how reading Renaissance literature enables us to understand more fully our own constructed selves.
What Are Deep Dive Seminars?
Deep Dive Seminars bring together a small group of dedicated students who want to immerse themselves in a topic under the close guidance of an eminent professor.
What’s New about Deep Dive Seminars?
Many Humanities Seminars Program courses are lectured-based surveys, while Deep Dive Seminars are discussion-centric and reading-intensive smaller groupings. This allows for broader topic explorations, debates, and conversations, as well as increased interactions with the instructor. Weekly assignments may be extensive: students might be asked to read several book chapters, scholarly articles, poems, or plays.
What Will I Be Expected to Do?
While there are no prerequisites for these seminars, participants should be ready to complete assigned readings, take part in discussions, and attend all weekly three-hour sessions.
How Will I Benefit from a Deep Dive Seminar?
With more preparatory reading and extensive discussions of their own and others’ ideas, seminarians will find abundant intellectual challenges sparked by their fellow students and their teacher.
Do Deep Dive Seminars Cost More?
Yes. Due to its limited size (20 students), a Deep Dive Seminar will cost more than current lecture-based courses.
Will Deep Dive Seminars Be Accessible Online?
No. Deep Dive Seminars are designed for and rely on substantive interpersonal interactions within the classroom. This purpose is best accomplished in person and therefore these courses will not be offered online or in a hybrid format.
When Do Deep Dive Seminars Begin?
This course with Professor Meg Lota Brown will be the first Deep Dive Seminar offered with more courses to come.
Registration will open online on Monday, August 9, 2021 at 8 AM (AZ Time)
