Sharing Conversations Across Generations: The Magic of Haiku

This course explores what communicative practices can enhance the inclusion of persons living in different life stages in a community. We consider how verbal or non-verbal interactions can contribute to transforming society into one in which marginalized persons such as older adults (possibly living with compromised cognitive conditions) can be integrated as citizens of the community. A primary focus is on the role of creative verbal arts in fostering cross-generational understanding, in particular, creating the short Japanese poetic form, haiku. As part of community-engaged learning, students will experience and examine how activities based on creative verbal arts, along with conversations that emerge during such activities, can promote self-expression and meaningful intergenerational connections. As a community-engaged learning course, students will learn through engaging in activities with persons in local communities. The service-learning component will entail participation in a haiku-making activity with older adults in local adult day services facilities and assisted living residences to consider how to create a more age-inclusive society through working with local communities, and to become effective citizens in today's diverse society. This course is open to undergraduate students, graduate students, and medical school students. Students can take the course for 3-5 units. Students enrolled in the full 5 units will complete the service-learning component described above along with the core component of the course. Students enrolled for 3 units do not need to complete the service-learning component. Cardinal Course certified by the Haas Center for Public Service.