E 142 Reading Without Borders

Overview of Course

As we cross vast oceans, this course challenges you to think deeply about borders—the visible lines on a map, and the invisible lines that shape our lives. We’ll look at what it means to live in a world that is both increasingly connected and increasingly divided.
We will explore powerful fiction, poetry, and memoir from a range of international, cross- cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, focusing on universal themes of migration, displacement, and the search for belonging. Each text is strategically aligned with the ports of call on our itinerary, allowing us to connect the voices on the page to the people and places we encounter. This journey challenges us to step outside our comfort zones, not only physically, but intellectually. How are borders constructed—geographically, socially, and internally? How does literature break down stereotypes and assumptions, allowing us to bridge divides and understand the “other”? How can reading help us see the world—and ourselves—without borders? Through critical reading, discussion, and on-site observation, you will gain new perspectives on global and national identities, deepening your understanding of our complex, interconnected world.