This upper level writing course assumes that the most important topics are often the ones that are best understood via the multiple disciplinary approaches. In this case, the important topic is Conflict: how does it arise, how should we understand and manage it, what are the limits of what we can hope for in mitigating it, and what can we learn from how we conduct and experience it. Students will examine different aspects of conflict through various academic lenses ranging from chemistry, biology, and neuroscience to anthropology, sociology, history, and psychology, as well as perspectives from literature, philosophy, fine arts, and even a few professional disciplines like law and public policy. During this whirlwind tour we will examine how each field constructs knowledge and imagines and deploys writing, and consider ways the disciplines can usefully complement each other as well as how we can translate their insights for general readers. If we have to fight, we should know what we’re doing and why.

Course Requirements:

Three substantial analytical and comparative essays with revision, one longer reading response essay and/or presentation, reflective writing, and participation in the class discourse community.

Intended Audience:

Juniors, seniors, and very intrepid sophomores looking to meet the Upper Level Writing Requirement and who are interested in the relationship between the academic disciplines and writing between and about them. Also anyone who's ever experienced conflict.

Class Format:

Instruction Mode: All instruction will be online and synchronous; individual meetings as well as scheduled small group work via Google or Zoom.

Learning Mode: Canvas, meetings conducted via Zoom or Google; students should have access to a camera and microphone.