What do we know? What makes knowledge possible? What limits our knowledge? How do we expand whose knowledge is valued? To understand these questions and explore possible answers, we’ll work through three units during the semester: the purpose of education, the power of metaphor, and the possibility of multiple perspectives. The seminar considers what counts as knowledge, and by whom; the methods employed to gain or affirm knowledge; the values attributed to knowledge; and the ethical and aesthetic implications of what one gains and does with the acquisition of knowledge.

To understand how others have grappled with these issues, we will read a variety of genres (including essays, creative non-fiction, poetry, short stories, and graphic novels) and authors from different backgrounds. We’ll consider how text and visuals function to tell true stories and whose truth they represent. We’ll also consider whose truth they leave out and the implications of those choices. During the semester students will not only critically analyze texts, but they will also craft works of their own that will combine language and visuals in a variety of genres to understand their learning, challenge limiting metaphors, and advocate for change.