FRS 001V - Sec. 001 - (1 unit) - CRN 35582 - T 3:10 – 4:00 pm - 25 Wellman
The Role of Dreams in Culture

Instructor: Naomi Janowitz, Department of Religious Studies, College of Letters and Science

Description: Many cultures have created complex and intriguing theories about the meaning of dreams, from the Australian Aboriginal notion of "Dreamtime" to Freudian ideas of wish fulfillment. This seminar will examine a variety of ancient and modern theories of how we can mine dreams for important information about the world and about ourselves. We will examine the use of dreams in the art world as well. Each student will compile a book of his/her own dreams and do an analysis of a chosen dream.

Format: The general plan will be to look at one theory of dreaming per class and to spend part of each class interpreting a dream based on that theory. The students will have to a) read selections on dream theories and b) record their own dreams for each class meeting. Grading: Four one-page written statements analyzing a specific dream theory 80%. In-class oral presentation applying a dream theory 20%

About the Instructor: