Dreams

Catalog description

“Why do we dream?” may be an intriguing question, but ultimately one for science to answer. On the other hand, “What can we do with dreams?” is a question that people have approached from an almost limitless number of perspectives over thousands of years. Whether envisioned as a source of philosophical insight, a refuge for unspeakable desires, or an experience to be intentionally manipulated, the space of the dream is an unfailingly fascinating one-- and the works that have been created to explore it are equally as fascinating. In this course, we will engage with various cultural texts about dreams, which may include: The Dream of Scipio (Cicero), the Parliament of Fowls (Chaucer), Godless but Loyal to Heaven (Van Camp), Paprika (Kon), and Inception (Nolan). No previous experience with literary traditions or ability to remember one’s own dreams necessary.