REL 333 - Star Wars, Tolkien, and Religion

Credits: 3

This course in interested in popular themes of science fiction, and fantasy of George Lucas and J.R.R Tolkien, as well as the works of writers such as C.S. Lewis, Sagan, Clarke, and Asimov. The primary questions to be asked are three-fold: 1) To what extent is traditional religion and myth and morality woven into the fabric of these works? 2) Are religious myths or morality plays a reason for their popularity? 3) Do their religious or mythic idea challenge or run contrary to the religious myths we may grow up with? No prerequisites are necessary, a familiarity with the works in question is desirable, as well as a willingness to engage in their moral, mythic, and religious messages.