Does “true love” exist? In what ways does power corrupt? What might a powerful love look like, and when does power resemble love? In this course, we will explore these two complex concepts – their nature, function, interrelationship, motivations, and manifestations. We will also explore the ways in which love and power, and their relationship, lie at the root of so much human achievement, whether for good or ill. We will define, re-define, and contextualize these concepts through a cross-cultural and interdisciplinary perspective provided for us through a carefully selected body of literature: creation myths, short stories, novel, poetry, drama, political theory, spiritual writings, psychology, cultural criticism, and theology. We will also discuss the important corollaries and “kissing cousins” of love and power—e.g., compassion, affection, sympathy, empathy, kindness, charity, ambition, achievement, prestige, and reputation—which underlie our expressions of love and power, drive our successes or failures, and might earn us praise or blame. Finally, we will also discuss two films that illustrate the complexities of these two concepts. Be prepared for engaging discussions, small-group work, academic essays and revisions, a research project, and oral communication practice – all designed to hone your writing, reading, speaking, and thinking skills as we make our way through an exciting semester focused on love and power.