Dreamscapes

Introduction

Dreamscapes is an interdisciplinary humanities expedition that explores dreams through various lenses, including literature, philosophy, visual art, poetry, mythology, and psychology. Students will delve into the world of dreams and their significance across cultures, analyzing the role they play in creativity, psychological development, and philosophical thought.

Throughout the course, students will study the works of Salvador Dali, analyze the surrealist literature of André Breton, examine Classical Chinese philosophies such as the “Butterfly Dream” from Zhuangzi, and much more. Additionally, we will discuss cross-cultural mythologies of dreams, sleep paralysis, and nightmares, and investigate the theories of Sigmund Freud and other psychologists on the subconscious and the role of dreams. Finally, we’ll touch on the most cutting-edge dream research and sleep technologies, and think about what implications they may have for the future. The course culminates in a final project, where students have the opportunity to express their understanding of dreams through their chosen medium.

*Please note that students may earn one more unit in addition to the ones tagged, depending on project direction.

Essential Questions

• What are dreams, and why have they been a source of fascination throughout human history?
• How have dreams influenced art, literature, and philosophical thought?
• What can we learn from dreams, and how can we use them to enhance our creativity?
• What is the psychological relevance of dreams, and how do they relate to the subconscious?

Learning Objectives

• Analyze and interpret dreams as portrayed in various artistic and literary works.
• Investigate the cultural, philosophical, and psychological significance of dreams.
• Engage in critical discussions about dreams and their role in human experience.
• Create a final project that demonstrates an understanding of dreams and their impact on art, literature, and the human psyche.