The Journey: Art of Pilgrimage in Writing, Literature, and Life

"We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us.” —John Steinbeck

How are our lives a pilgrimage as we travel through a changing world? What are the inspiring stories of pilgrimage and adventure in literature and history? What are the practices of writing, walking, observation, and imagination that cultivate meaning from personal and collective narratives and experiences? What are the cultural, social, ecological, and creative impacts of pilgrimages past and present?

Traditionally, pilgrimages have focused on journeys to sacred sites or community events, including mountains, rivers, natural wonders, food gatherings, and religious, or historic sites. For example, modern journeys include visits to astronomical or stargazing sites, ancient observatories, or pilgrimages such as the one many will make to see the solar "Eclipse Across America" on April 8, 2024—a rare opportunity. Other travels include cultural, arts, sports, or political events—or natural history and ecological adventures such as observing birds in Costa Rica, caribou in the Arctic, salmon in the Northwest, or other sites.

Inspired by the “Eclipse Across America,” we will explore how pilgrimage can be an act of intellectual and creative discovery, of observing the patterns, seasons, and cycles of the natural world, of participating in diverse cultures and communities, and an opportunity to understand complex systems in a changing world. We will relate these studies to creative and critical practices that include writing, storytelling, communication, literature, history, natural history, cultural studies, science and arts education, leadership, public programming, and developing personal and collective connections to inspiring places.

In the winter, we will explore the cultural and artistic histories of notable pilgrimages sites and events locally and historically. We will develop practices that combine writing, walking, and observation of the natural world and skies, with visits to local natural history destinations, museums, arts, cultural, and historic sites. We will tell stories, read diverse literature, myths, poetry, and documentaries of travel, adventure, and pilgrimage. We will include a focus on astronomical pilgrimages, such as eclipses, that explore the relationship between science and story through education, astronomical observations, and literature and history related to star lore and eclipses. Students will work individually or in groups to develop a project and give presentations that incorporate their research, writing, observations, creative arts, or media projects. They will develop a writing project of their choice that can include: creative writing, short-stories, or poetry; creative non-fiction, personal, expository, or mixed genre essays of travels and memories of culture, place, and time; feature articles or blogs; or a creative arts or media projects. Students will also develop a plan for a spring pilgrimage to a destination of their choice or do an analogous major project.

Spring quarter will support two groups: 1) Students who are returning  from Winter Quarter , and who are completing a pilgrimage or project ; and 2) Students who are new to the program and want to develop effective writing and reading skills connected to a sense of culture and place , and develop a project .  

Returning Students from winter will continue their study of writing, literature, and storytelling related to pilgrimage. During the first week s of the quarter, they will finalize and pursue their pilgrimage or individual project. (For example, some may choose to find their way to a place along the eclipse line for the “Eclipse Across America,” while others do a literary arts project closer to home.) Afterwards, students will return to campus, work in peer-groups to write up and document their results, develop presentations, and co-produce a final group show presenting their experiences, explorations, discoveries, and understanding of pilgrimage. Students who are interested can create an anthology of collected works.      

New students will develop their study of writing, literature, and storytelling related to pilgrimage. During the first four weeks of the quarter, they will work separately from the rest of the class, completing a “Writing and Walking, Pilgrimage and Practice” Journal, essential readings from the winter quarter, four response essays (300 words) , and a “Writer’s Choice” project (3-5 pages) . New students will meet on Zoom on Wednesday nights (6-8 pm) early in the quarter, will form seminar and writing groups to give and receive feedback. They will also meet with Writing Center tutors and with the instructor for one-on-one meetings. During the last half of the quarter, they will  meet in- person and complete assignments with the rest of the class ,  and  develop an individual project  to present the end of the quarter . 

Work Both Groups Will do Together: 

As part of our work together, we will read short stories, poems, essays, and reference a text on writing style and usage. These common readings will develop the skills to “read like writers and storytellers” as we consider what makes effective writing, and develop critical and creative writing, reading, and thinking skills. We will have rich discussions and seminars on the readings. We will respond to regular writing and storytelling prompts and workshops to support creative and academic work. Students must be motivated and capable of working independently, as well as being committed to working in peer-editing groups as we develop a learning community and do collaborative work that is designed to benefit all, and as we develop and present our pilgrimage projects and learning at the end of the quarter.  

12-Credit Option: Students who enroll for 12 credits will participate in all program activities plus a 4-credit in-program Individual Learning Contract (ILC) or capstone project. The content of the ILC or project must relate to the program and be approved by the faculty by the end of Week 1 of each quarter.

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." --Chinese Proverb

Spring Schedule: 

Week 1: In-Person:  Everyone meets on Campus to finalize plans and projects.  

Weeks 2-4: Returning Students will complete pilgrimage or service projects. Connect & manage work through Canvas & Zoom;  New Student s  will connect & manage work through Canvas & Zoom.  

Weeks 5-10: In-Person:  Everyone returns to campus to meet in person, complete classwork, finalize writing, projects, and host public presentations.