Literature of the Christian Tradition

English 323-01

Fall 2003

Bro. Tom Wendorf, S.M.

HM 227

229-4038 (office)

E-mail: Thomas.Wendorf@notes.udayton.edu

Office Hours: Wednesday and Friday, 11-2; Thursdays, 2-4, and by appointment.

Required Texts:

Dante Alighieri, The Portable Dante, Ed. Mark Musa (Penguin)

John Milton, Paradise Lost, Ed. Scott Elledge (Norton)

Flannery O’Connor, Three By Flannery O’Connor (Signet)

Andre Dubus, Selected Stories (Vintage)

Ron Hansen, Mariette in Ecstasy (HarperPerennial)

C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce (HarperSanFrancisco)

Course Description:

This course is part of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition Cluster. We will study literary works that form part of the Christian religious tradition, from the medieval period through the late 20^th century, with a particular focus on what they reveal about the problem of evil, morality and conversion, the action of grace, and the idea of vocation or calling.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, you should have demonstrated your abilities to:

Read literary works attentively
Identify ways in which Christian beliefs inform and find expression in the works of various writers.
Analyze works of literature to explore theological and moral implications.
Recognize particular historical/religious pressures that shape belief and the expression of it in the works we study.
Examine the interaction of faith and reason in the various works and times we study.
Understand the different emphases of Catholic and Protestant traditions and “imaginations” as they emerge in literature.
Relate the literature we study to contemporary culture(s) and religious belief.
Write papers on a variety of literary works using good form and specific support.

Evaluation (percentages are approximate):

· Daily Work: 30% (homework, quizzes, in-class writing, engagement in class discussion)

· Short Papers: 40% (five of these, covering the territory of the course)

· Research Paper: 30%

Class Guidelines:

Our Literature of the Christian Tradition class will involve us as a community of readers, thinkers, and writers, and your regular preparation, attendance, and participation is crucial. All papers, including the short papers and the research paper, must be completed in order to fulfill the basic requirements of the course. All assignments must be turned in on time—at the beginning of class on the due date (you need to make special arrangements with me ahead of time for the rare exception). I am available for help during office hours and at other times by appointment—if at any time during the semester you want to talk about what we are studying or about other concerns, feel free to see me. You can also contact me by e-mail.

Course Schedule (subject to adjustment as needed):

Week 1

August 27, 29 Introduction

Week 2

Sept. 1 Labor Day—No Classes

Sept. 3, 5 Dante, Inferno

Week 3

Sept. 8, 10, 12 Dante, Inferno and Purgatory

Week 4

Sept. 15, 17, 19 Dante, including a taste of Paradise

Week 5

Sept. 22, 24, 26 Dante; Milton, Paradise Lost

Week 6

Sept. 29. Oct. 1, 3 Milton, Paradise Lost

Week 7

Oct. 6, 8, 10 Milton, Paradise Lost

Week 8

Oct. 13, 15, 17 Milton; Lewis, The Great Divorce

Week 9 (MIDTERM)

Oct. 20, 22, 24 Lewis, The Great Divorce; O’Connor

Week 10

Oct. 27, 29, 30 O’Connor, short stories

Week 11

Nov. 3, 5, 7 O’Connor, The Violent Bear It Away

Week 12

Nov. 10, 12, 14 O’Connor; Dubus, stories

Week 13

Nov. 17, 19, 21 Dubus

Week 14

Nov. 24 Ron Hansen, Mariette in Ecstasy

Nov. 26, 28 Thanksgiving Break—No Classes

Week 15

Dec. 1, 3, 5 Hansen; Research Paper

Week 16

Dec. 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception—No Classes

Dec. 10 Last Day of Class—Wrap-up

Dec. 12 Research Paper Due