Dr. Bernadette Barton is Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies at Morehead State University, and a popular public speaker unafraid to tackle controversial issues. Bernadette’s scholarship explores the experiences of members of marginalized groups. Her books include Stripped: More Stories from Exotic Dancers, and Pray the Gay Away: The Extraordinary Lives of Bible Belt Gays. Bernadette’s new projects examine the impact of raunch culture in the lives of young people and marriage equality mobilization in Kentucky.
Course:
Mystical Scotland: Stone Circles and Fairy Pools
Program Dates:
Honors Credit:
None
WKU Course:
TBA
Discipline(s):
Sociology , Religion
Course Description:
Explore sacred sites and natural beauty in Scotland. This class will visit ancient landscapes with links to the pagan past as well as medieval cathedrals and chapels that illuminate the Christian tradition. We will walk through standing stone circles, attend a service at Glasgow Cathedral, tour the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel near Edinburgh, and journey to the oldest Yew tree in Europe. Mystical Scotland examines the sociological and spiritual commonalities linking different faith systems. We will distinguish between fundamentalist, religious, spiritual, and metaphysical perspectives as students embark on their own journeys of self-discovery.
Prerequisites:
None
Physical Activity Requirements:
Expect 5 miles of walking each day, including on rugged terrain on some days. Hiking boots are recommended for this class.
Course Highlights:
Explore the mystical dimensions underpinning major world religions and pagan spiritual practices in a 2-week study abroad experience in Scotland in the summer of 2018.
Field trips include visits to stone circles, cathedrals, and the oldest Yew tree in Europe.
Hike up to Arthur’s Seat, said by some to be the original site of Camelot, walk a labyrinth, get a tarot card reading.
Open to all majors, can be taken for undergraduate and graduate credit.
Mystical Scotland traces the druid and pagan roots pre-dating the Church of Scotland as students undertake their own journeys of transformation.
Taught by religion, sexuality and gender expert Dr. Bernadette Barton.