INQ-120 | Landscapes of Evil

Full Title: Landscapes of Evil in Literature of the Fantastic

Topic Description:

Both fantasy and science fiction can tell us much about the ways in which cultures view good and evil. Perhaps this is because the origins of both genres can be traced to myths, folktales, allegories, and other literature which has been used to transmit both cultural values and theological principles. In this course, we will read and analyze examples of literature of the fantastic with a focus on the following questions: In what ways have human cultures defined, located, and rationalized evil? How have they suggested that the various forms of evil should be met and “remedied”? In the process of answering these questions, students will develop and articulate their own definitions of evil and recommendations for dealing with it in their lives and in our contemporary culture.

Counts as Global? No

Topic Approved: November 2009