Religion, TV, and Film (371-0-20)

Topic

The Spirit of Horses

Instructors

Sarah McFarland Taylor
847 4914361
Crowe hall, 4-144

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-435: Fri 12:00PM - 2:30PM

Overview of class

What is it about horses that fascinates us, captures our hearts, and fuels our imaginations? It is often said that in riding a horse "we borrow freedom." From winged Pegasus of Greek mythology, to mystical Kelpies of Celtic lore, to the Hippogriffs in Harry Potter, horses hold a special allure for humans that transcends cultures. Come explore the power of the sacred human-horse bond as represented in art, film, and popular culture. Come learn about the use of horses in healing veterans with PTSD as we visit "Brave Hearts," the country's largest healing horsemanship program right here in Illinois. Do "horse whisperers" truly exist? What do we make of divine horses portrayed in myth and symbol, horses as spiritual teachers, practices of horse meditation and healing, spiritual journeys with horses, ghost horses, and those who practice horsemanship as a spiritual life path? Your guide for this adventure is Dr. T., a religion, ecology, and media professor and lifelong horsewoman.

Teaching Method

Class Materials (Required)

All course materials will be available online.

Class Attributes

Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area
Ethics & Values Distro Area