ENGLISH 2683: Literature and Catholicism II
T and Th 1-2:20pm
Sr. Ella Allen

This course will explore literature since 1800 which reflects Catholic beliefs, traditions and perspectives in various ways. This exploration will be set in the context of the Word - the Word of Genesis which creates, and the Word become incarnate. We will examine literary works as syllables of that Word, and literture itself as sacramental, as potentially revelatory. The course posits imagination as a means of cognition, the religious imagination in particular as a rich and fertile vehicle for understanding and experiencing the relationship between the human and the divine.

Readings will include works from a variety of genres: poetry, novels, short stories, letters, essays and spiritual autobiography. Writers considered may include Francis Thompson, Newman, Hopkins, de Chardin, Eliot, Flannery O'Connor, Merton, David Lodge, Thomas Keneally and Annie Dillard.

The format is primarily lecture though class discussion is encouraged and some group work is incorporated. Regular class attendance is presumed. The course grade will be derived from 2 essays (30% each) and a final examination (40%).

TEXTS:
Dillard, Annie. For the Time Being. Penguin
Lodge, David. Therapy. Penguin
Keneally, Thomas. The Office of Innocence. Sceptre

COURSE OUTLINE:

o Francis Thompson, "The Hound of Heaven"
o Newman (John Henry Cardinal), from Apologia
o GM Hopkins, poetry and letters
o TS Eliot, from "Four Quartets"
o Flannery O'Connor, short stories
o Thomas Merton, from The Seven Storey Mountain
o Thomas Keneally, The Office of Innocence
o Teilhard de Chardin, from Hymn of the Universe
o Annie Dillard, For the Time Being
o David Lodge, Therapy

OFFICE HOURS:
Tuesday and Thursday, 9-10:00 am, 12-1 pm in EC319
Wednesday, 9 am - 2 pm in EC20

I interpret your enrollment in this course as a sign of your intention to attend class regularly and participate actively. Frequent and unexplained absences may earn a failing grade. Since essays are aids in learning effective writing, you are welcome to re-do any assignments.