Antiquitopia

I am pleased to announce that Illinois College has approved the proposal submitted by Emily Adams (in French) and myself to take students to hike the Camino de Santiago de Compostela (the Way of St. James) in France in Spain next summer. The travel course - or in Illinois College's parlance, "Breakaway" - is called "Journey to the End of the Earth: Hiking the Way of St. James in France and Spain" I am very excited to have this opportunity to lead this trip.  Here is a description: Hiking the Camino de Santiago de Compostela – the Way of St. James – has recently become the most recognizable and most traveled pilgrimage in modern Christianity.   While recently touted as a symbol for European unity, the Camino has a long history and provides extensive opportunities to see medieval churches, castles, palaces, ancient ruins, as well as stunning views of the countryside.   Hiking the Camino offers a multifaceted experience.   This trip would be ideal for stud...

If you are a University of Mississippi student and looking around for some courses to take as classes start up on Wednesday (and happened to stumble onto my blog), check out the following, both of which the first class is Thursday, Jan 23: Rel 395: Sacred Road-Tripping: Pilgrimage from Mecca to Memphis Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays 3-4:15 p.m. Description: As a practice, pilgrimage stands at many intersections, crisscrossing the complex topographies of a multi-religious world.   It ties together sacred place, sacred time, and myths and legends of heroes, saints, and gods.   As one traverses a landscape, one may try to connect to the past, while providing another link for future travelers.   A pilgrimage may be a religious requirement or an individual quest.   It blurs the line between a religious journey and tourism.   Its destination may be a physical place, but also may be within oneself.   In this class we will explore this multi-fa...