An examination of religious themes in literature, focusing on
religion generally, not a particular religion. The Enlightenment
challenge to religion and literature's dealings with that
challenge; identity in modern and postmodern fiction and world,
community and modernity; and orthodox and unorthodox religious
understandings in modern fiction.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: An additional paper of 7-10 pages and additional readings.
Athena Title
Religion and Literature
Undergraduate Prerequisite
Third-year standing or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will analyze how religious themes, symbols, and narratives shape and are shaped by literary texts across different historical and cultural contexts.
Students will develop skills to read, analyze, and interpret religious and literary texts using various critical methods, including historical, thematic, and comparative approaches.
Students will evaluate the influence of major religious traditions on literary forms, genres, and storytelling techniques.
Students will investigate how literature engages with religious and philosophical questions about morality, suffering, justice, faith, and the human condition.
Students will strengthen the ability to conduct research on religious and literary intersections, developing well-supported arguments based on textual evidence and scholarly sources.
Students will improve the ability to express complex ideas effectively through discussion, writing, and presentations, demonstrating an understanding of the interplay between religion and literature.
Topical Outline
Introduction to Religion and Literature
Sacred Texts as Literature
Religious Themes in Classical and Medieval Literature
Faith, Doubt, and the Human Experience
Religious Conflict and Social Critique
Mysticism, Visionary Literature, and the Supernatural
The Bible and Literature
Modern and Contemporary Religious Narratives
Religion, Ethics, and Moral Dilemmas in Literature
