Theorizing Religion with Zombies (FYS)
RELI 115F
Spring 2022
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01
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This course introduces students to theories in Religious Studies in order to investigate the intellectual and cultural histories of two highly influential and essentially religious ideas: the zombie and the apocalypse. We will critically trace their representations in popular culture in order to explore writings in biblical narrative, history, modernity, monster theory, alterity, gender, capitalism, race, epidemiology, film theory, and media studies. We will begin ancient texts, move to the history of the concept of the zonbi in Haiti, and then trace the trope of this modern monster and its various meanings into the contemporary moment. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS RELI |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (RELI-MN)(RELI) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 50% - 74% |
| SECTION 01 | | Special Attributes: FYS |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Selections from the following:
Beal, Timothy K. RELIGION AND ITS MONSTERS. New York: Routledge, 2002.
Laennec Hurbon, "American Fantasy and Haitian Vodou" in SACRED ARTS OF HAITIAN VODOU, pp. 181-197.
Sarah Juliet Lauro, ZOMBIE THEORY: A READER. Minnesota Press, 2017.
Steven Shaviro, "Contagious Allegories: George Romero" in THE CINEMATIC BODY (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 82-105.
Priscilla Wald, CONTAGIOUS: CULTURES, CARRIERS, AND THE OUTBREAK NARRATIVE. Duke University Press, 2008.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Weekly Response papers, active participation in discussion, one class opening presentation, one "show and tell" item, and a final 15 page research paper are the course requirements.
We will screen 4 films outside of class |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
The course counts as a "Thematic Approach" requirement of the Religion major |
| Instructor(s): McAlister,Elizabeth Times: ..T.R.. 01:20PM-02:40PM; Location: RSCSEM; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 15 | | SR major: X | JR major: X | | |
| Seats Available: 1 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: X | JR non-major: X | SO: X | FR: 15 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 7 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 1 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 6 |
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