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 alone, in groups, or as whole societies. We play role-playing games, board
games, videogames, games of chance, sports; we dance. We play with
musical instruments, paint, string, sticks, stones, and language. While
we define and choose our play, play may also define us, for play is
embedded in and reflects our cultures’ values, histories, and
structures. Because play potentially evokes intense, personal engagement
and stimulates the imagination, it can enhance teaching, learning,
creativity, and discovery. It can also help balance professional
activities with less intellectualized life pursuits and energize
solutions for social, scientific, and artistic problems. Although it may
support injustice and incivility, play has the potential to foster
social cohesion and connection, compassion, and inclusiveness. This
Humanities program will explore the nature, history, and uses of
play--the power of play--to shape, transform, celebrate, delight or
diminish individuals, institutions, and societies, and to enrich our
personal, social, and professional lives. |
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