Course Description

Our relationship with our surroundings is a fundamental aspect of human experience. From the natural world to the built environment, the places we inhabit shape our perceptions, behavior, and sense of self. This course will delve into the philosophical questions surrounding the impact of place on personal identity, exploring how our relationship with the environment influences our understanding of ourselves and others.

Through facilitated discussion and reflection, we will explore the ways in which place shapes our sense of identity and community. We will analyze the intersection of race and socioeconomic status on the experience of place and environment, and critique the societal and cultural factors that contribute to the ongoing marginalization of certain communities.

Drawing from a variety of philosophical, sociological, and fictional texts, including works by Wendell Berry, Jane Jacobs, Gaston Bachelard, and Alice Walker, we will examine the complex and dynamic relationship between place and personal identity, considering how our understanding of ourselves and our communities are shaped by the places we call home.

Through discussion and reflection, we will examine the complex ways in which place shapes us and the ways in which we can shape our environments in turn. Essential questions for the course include:

1. How does the environment we inhabit shape our personal and collective identities?

2. How does place affect our relationships with others and the communities we live in?

3. Can we truly separate ourselves from the places we call home, or are we forever connected to the landscapes that shape us?

4. How do economic and political forces impact the places we inhabit, shaping our identities?

5. How can we create sustainable and equitable communities that honor the complexity and diversity of human identity?

Course Dates & Times

Thursdays from 6:00-7:30 PM PST
Aug. 24th, Sept 14, October 45, Nov. 2