Embodied Art Making and Conflict Transformation

In this immersive, interdisciplinary course we will connect the skills and dispositions of Conflict Transformation (CT) to the performing arts. Through dance, storytelling, visual art, and dialogue, we will explore interpersonal and political conflicts by placing art at the center of our work. Some of the questions we will address are how embodiment and art can foster empathy across political differences and whether non-verbal expression can transform how we engage with conflict and each other. Through readings, writing, interviews, discussions, and weekly embodied practice we will cultivate essential CT skills such as deep listening and non-verbal communication. At the conclusion of this course students will have a heightened capacity to use creative intelligence and embodiment for civic engagement. (No prior dance experience necessary.)