Changing the World J-term Class
This class is taught by Chris Johnson, director of the Center for Vocational Reflection and meets every day from 8:30 - 12:30 in Linner Lounge.
Changing the World Class 2008
Description of the class:
"Who am I, what really matters, and how can I make a difference in the world?" This course will help participants wrestle with "Big Questions" like these by focusing on various theologies, philosophies, and spiritualities of the meaning and purpose of life, vocation and calling, action and contemplation, identity and otherness, peace and justice. We'll draw upon a wide range of resources, from Aristotle to Anne Lamott, from John Irving to Jim Carey, from Martin Luther to Martin Luther King, Jr., to help us on our way -- as will popular singer-songwriter and Gustavus alum Neal Hagberg, 
who will be with us in residency for part of the month. Frequent writing and extensive class discussion of texts and experiences, as well as a service-learning component, will assist us in grappling with the ideals and realities of social action and servant-leadership. Regular class sessions and service work in the St. Peter community will take place four days each week, supplemented by day-long immersions with various social-service, environmental, educational, and religious agencies in the Twin Cities once each week. A two-day overnight retreat will kick off our month together (see pictures below).
Knitting for CADA House:
The Toilet Tree:
The results:
Earth Council at Gustavus:
Part of the requirement of this class is to do a service project. Five students have chosen to work with Eric Utne in creating an Earth Council (see www.theElders.org).
You do not have to be a member of the class to be a part of this group. For more information regarding this endeavor, please click here.
Reading List (recommended to you all!):
Mary Rose O’Reilley, Radical Presence: Teaching as Contemplative Practice
Anthony Weston, How To Re-Imagine the World
J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye
Genesis 1-3 and 6 – 9 (in the Bible; New Revised Standard Version preferred, but you may use any translation of the Bible you wish)
Stephen Mitchell, Gilgamesh: A New English Version
Carter Heyward, God in the Balance
John deGraf, et al, Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic
Michael Schut, Simpler Living, Compassionate Life
John Irving, A Prayer for Owen Meany
Lois Lowry, The Giver
Course syllabus
Opening Retreat at Mount Olivet Retreat Center, Farmington
Did You Know?
Since receiving his B.A. in theatre in 1980, Tim Latta has toured and choreographed with internationally recognized companies including Pilobolus and Momix. He is the founder of Koku Dance Theatre and has been a guest artist with many companies, including ISO and the Bobs, Royal Danish Ballet, and The Deutsche Opera Ballet in Berlin.
