More to a Landscape than the Land

Article by Aspen Wooley | Photo courtesy Sam Otterstrom

“There is more to a landscape than the land.” “Our surroundings leave so much to be explored.” “An amateur is one who loves something.”

Students are learning these and other takeaways in the new Honors 226 Unexpected Connections class, "Utah: Literature, Landscape, and Who We Are,” taught by Dr. Paul Westover and Dr. Sam Otterstrom. This class does more than analyze literature or the landscape we live in, it explores how places shape us and how we shape them. This class expands the mind and leads to uncovering beauty in our everyday.

Walking into class on any given day is a joyful experience, as the small class size leads to discussions that blur the line between teacher and student. These professors come from different disciplines, Dr. Westover from English and Dr. Otterstrom from Geography. This “is super helpful getting to learn different ways of teaching” student Camille Heaton shared. One professor leads the discussion, with the other offering input alongside the whole class.

Leaving the Classroom

There is more to see than just the walls of this classroom, though. The whole class has gone on short trips this semester, venturing out to see what each landscape has to offer. Camille said it was helpful to see how the “themes of what we’ve been talking about connect to a larger landscape. We were able to put into practice what we’ve been talking about all semester.” One of the field trips brought them to central Utah where they toured small towns in San Pete County. Each student in the class has been working on projects to explore Utah’s small towns, so this was an opportunity to really see what they have been learning. In Spring City they toured a chapel, unique in its architecture and other features, showing students the context of the landscape. The class also explored other small towns, gaining a better understanding of the people who shaped Utah. Ending at the Manti temple, the jewel as President Hinckley said, “tells you about the dedication and the ambition and the sort of forward look of the people who built these communities” Dr. Westover explained.

The class took another trip to downtown Provo for a walking tour, looking at the architecture, streets, and variety of buildings. Dr. Westover continued, “we’re trying to cultivate a different kind of attention to your surroundings and a realization that the place is legible in terms of culture and history.” There is much to be learned and understood about the spaces that are commonplace to us. Students don’t know as much about Utah geography as either professor expected, so being able to open their eyes to the world around them has been a rewarding experience. Dr. Otterstrom shared that “people come to BYU, but they might not be so familiar with Utah as a place and how it’s distinct in American landscapes. So that gives students an opportunity to learn about their temporary home in a different way.” Learning about Utah as a place leads students to become more aware of whatever space they find themselves in.

To better understand their current places, grasping the historical aspect of Utah is important for students. The professors have noticed considerable overlap between English and Geography, especially in the books they’re reading. Books written by British authors, Dr. Westover’s focus, and books written about Utah’s geography, Dr. Otterstrom’s focus, tie the themes of the class together well. Many of the settlers of Utah came from England which influenced their writing both in America and in their homeland. This has had a unique impact on Utah and the ways that people have shaped the land.

How do Places Shape Us?

Dr. Otterstrom replied to one of the foundational questions of this class, “how do we (people) shape places and how do the places shape us?” as he explained this history. The Saints who settled Utah changed the landscape. For the people living here now, the landscape influences their everyday life. “They have to experience the streets or temples or churches. They decide what kind of emotions they evoke, whether it’s something that is commonplace or distinctive.” These features of the landscape influence people and the interactions with them “make us who we are.” Utah is a kind of “sacred topography” that influences those who stand in this place.

Both Dr. Westover and Dr. Otterstrom expressed the joy they feel when their students learn to appreciate these ideas. When students make connections that they haven’t even thought of, it shows they’re really grasping what they are learning. One of these concepts was explained by Ivin Tait, who shared that the most valuable thing he has learned is how to “defamiliarize myself with my surroundings. This class has expanded my vision for life and how I view the things I am interested in.” This class does more than just explain geography or literature but provides a valuable space to help students understand themselves and their world.

“We are helping students better understand who they are in terms of their history and the history of the church…They can see what they’re a part of and this can give them a sense of identity and belonging in the church,” Dr. Otterstrom said. This understanding and connection is valuable for the Honors Program, BYU more broadly, and the church it is build around. “It’s an important thing in any discipline to be able to experience and reflect. We hope that we’re giving them both intellectual skills and practical discipleship skills,” Dr. Westover summarized. This class gives more than greater understanding, it allows for real becoming.

Can’t wait to jump in? The class will be offered again next fall!