ENG 106 - Hazardous Journeys and Grand Adventures (W) (1)

What does it mean to be a traveler? An explorer? An immigrant? How do we reconcile our sense of self in each new context we uncover, on every new ground we tread? How does movement through space and culture fundamentally change us? Humans have been thinking about what it means to exist, to survive, and, even, to thrive or wither in strange lands for centuries. Indeed, because it is inevitably tied up with histories of colonialism, empire, race, gender, and able-bodiedness, travel is no simple thing. In this first-year writing seminar, we will explore the complexities of identity negotiation and formation through a selection of global travel literatures, loosely conceived. The course will encompass a variety of challenging readings and viewings that we will process through extensive in-class discussions, brief oral presentations, small group work, and evidence-based writing assignments. Ultimately, the course is also designed to inspire reflection and critical thinking about our own context and self-identity. Not open to students who have previously completed a First-Year Writing Course.
(First Year Writing Seminar (FYW)) (Humanities)