The core of the course revolves around a study of humankind's relation to nature, its implications and consequences. Particular emphasis is placed on developing a new understanding of options to our present way of thinking. Spring This Island Earth is intended to prepare students for advanced study of the human condition in university. Unlike animals, a human being must not only endeavor to survive in his or her environment, one must also make his or her world meaningful. The examination of human social activity, or expression, is approached as a biological condition for a meaningful existence.
Students encounter a diverse range of material on the subject and nature of expression.
Topics range from linguistics and poetry to art, music theory, abstract mathematics, theoretical physics and psychology. The diversity of materials and discussion is to highlight the fantastic spectrum of cultural expression that seems to address a shared desire to transcend the solitary condition of this island earth. This diversity is literally presented by a number of guest lecturers presenting their respective topics from several academic departments. Naturally, a great deal of attention is given to religious narrative, perhaps since religion embodies much of the power and allegory exhibited in the aforementioned secular pursuits. While course requirements include daily reading assignments, study questions and regular class participation, students are also evaluated on the completion of two unique exercises.