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Course Offerings

Course Details

Fall 2012-2013
REL 370 (LA)   na, npdf

Re-Enchanting the World: Religion and the Literature of Fantasy

Albert J. Raboteau

Starting with the premise (articulated by Max Weber and many others) that the "modern" world has become disenchanted, this seminar will deal with the role of folktales, myths, children's stories, science fiction and other literary forms in attempting to re-enchant the world by force of imagination. The course will focus upon the traditional myths and religious themes which frequently are recast in contemporary fantasy literature.

Sample reading list:
C.S. Lewis, Till We Have Faces
T.H. White, The Once and Future King
S. Cooper, The Dark is Rising
U. Le Guin, The Wizard of Earth Sea
J.R.R. Tolkien, Lord of the Rings
P.K. Dick, The Divine Invasion
See instructor for complete list

Reading/Writing assignments:
One book a week; a short (2-5 page) precis of each week's reading; a choice of either a final paper or a take home exam.

Requirements/Grading:
Other Exam - 40%
Papers - 40%
Oral Presentation(s) - 20%

Other Requirements:
Open to Juniors and Seniors Only.

Schedule/Classroom assignment:

Class numberSectionTimeDaysRoomEnrollmentStatus
22641 S01 1:30 pm - 4:20 pm T   Robertson Hall   029   Enrolled:11 Limit:15