This is an interdisciplinary seminar, drawing students from art history, films studies, anthropology, and creative writing, which has investigated the role of death and mortality in the formation and transformation of culture. The course is organized around the new constellation structure of HAA, focusing on the conceptual frameworks of agency, identity, and mobility/exchange.

Twelve students will be presenting their research on topics spanning the ancient world to the present, Asia to Europe to the U.S. The atmosphere will be informal and students will be available concurrently, four at any given time, to discuss their research. Each of them will have the chance to give a short "TED talk" of 8 to 10 minutes at least twice during their round, leaving ample time for discussion with those who drop by.