2020-2021 Catalog

CSP 29 Emerging from Chaos: Re-Thinking Experiences of Suffering

Societies and individuals are shaped by experiences of chaos and suffering. Yet, modern conceptions of suffering and chaos are seen as weakening people or societies. This course will explore the many examples of how chaos brings about reform, revolution, and re-imagined forms of resiliency. We will explore examples of post-war and post-disaster scenarios as understood by historians, scientists and psychologists, and consider the ways in which suffering transforms individuals and can generate healthy and adapted systems. Final projects will conclude with a modern application of theories and examples from class and discussion, either personal or societal, that explore ways that chaos and suffering can be transformed to help build a better you or a better world.

Credits

4 units

Prerequisite

Open only to first year frosh