As we begin to explore the meanings and metaphors that people in the past saw in their surroundings, we should also be aware of where we ourselves are coming from. Are experiences of the landscape universal or culturally conditioned? That is to say, is how we think about the landscape, how it makes us feel, how we move through it also shaped by the culture we grew up in?
The Assignment
Set aside some time in the next week to take a short walk in one of the natural areas on or around campus. As you do, record your thoughts about your surroundings in a notepad or on a voice note on your phone. How do your surroundings make you feel, and why? What do the various natural features make you think about? What is the weather like, what time of day is it, how light or gloomy is it? Is it an enjoyable experience for you?
Write a short essay (2 full pages) which narrates your experience and considers the question, "How do you experience the landscape?"