RELI 320 - Studies in Sacred Texts

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

(Same as JWST 320) Examination of selected themes and texts in sacred literature. May be taken more than once when content changes.

Topic for 2013/14a: Satan. As the personification of our greatest fears, Satan can appear as the ultimate alien monster or as our kindly old neighbor. Satan is a multifaceted symbol, a counter-cultural figure that may represent rebellion against hegemonic power, our feelings about that rebellion, or even sometimes about power itself. But he also has a role in the law, a dimension with devastating consequences for individuals at many periods in history. In the seminar, we trace the development of the figure of Satan in Western culture through biblical, early Jewish, early Christian, early modern and contemporary sources. Ms. LiDonnici.

Prerequisite(s): one 200-level course in Religion or Jewish Studies, or permission of the instructor.