EXP 1113 - Searching for Your”Self”: From the Big Bang to Consciousness

Credits: 3

Explorations Courses focus on enduring questions. Enduring questions do not have easy answers; instead, they encourage examination of complex issues from multiple perspectives, introspection, evidence-based arguments, and learning how to respectfully discuss controversial and difficult topics. This course focuses on the enduring search for one’s self. The exploration includes the search for meaning and the search for happiness. Humans, for thousands of years, have reflected on the question of self identity - as it relates to other humans, the divine, and the rest of the beings on - and perhaps off - the planet. Many of the world’s religions and philosophies were built on this search. This course will pay particular attention to how we might learn to better care for the self, regardless of its ultimate meaning or end. We will also explore how one might do this in the context of a world with great social disparity, injustice, racism, plague, and climate destruction. The themes of mindfulness, wellness, compassion and joy will guide many of our conversations of the search for the Self. Students will also examine the Merrimack Connections curriculum.
Fulfills: D in LS Core