

PA250 – Literature of the Warrior

How is a warrior different from a civilian? How are heroism and morality defined in times of war? What is a war story?

The character of the warrior appears as a major figure throughout very different historical and cultural contexts. The warrior plays a special role in most cultures; while he/she is celebrated for his/her skill in battle, this role comes with responsibilities and moral dilemmas not faced by the civilian. This class combines an exploration of representations of the warrior in literature from cultures ranging from ancient India to the contemporary United States with interviews and community engagement with active and retired servicemen and women, focusing on how heroism and morality are defined and questioned in times of war.

Also listed as: CO200, AN208