College Seminar (101-7-22)

Topic

The History of Hell

Instructors

Glenn Sucich

Meeting Info

University Hall 412: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

Course Description: Depictions of "hell" have differed dramatically throughout history. In the Hebrew Bible, for instance, the underworld, or Sheol, is represented as a neutral place where all people, the wicked and the righteous, go after death. By contrast, the New Testament describes hell as a place reserved exclusively for the wicked, where the "Devil and his angels" are made to suffer "eternal fire" (Matt 25:41). Similar differences can be found in later texts as well. The physical hell of Dante's Inferno, with its descending rings and fantastical torments, is far different from the internal, personal hell from which Satan and others suffer in Milton's Paradise Lost. For Dante, hell is a physical place; for Milton, it is a psychological state. Why?

Course Goals and Objectives: One of the main purposes of this course is to hone your close reading and writing skills by examining the ways in which interpretations of hell and its inhabitants reflect the religious, political, and intellectual ferment of particular cultures, at particular moments in history. Along the way, this course will also introduce you to ideas about how to learn and thrive in college, as well as to help you become more familiar with Weinberg College, Northwestern University, and the support resources available on campus.

Evaluation Method

Grades will be based on a minimum of four and a maximum of five short response papers (40%), one final project/essay (20%), and participation (40%).

Class Materials (Required)

There will be a course pack with all readings for the course.

Class Attributes

WCAS College Seminar

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: REASON: Pre-registration is not allowed for this class. Please try again during regular registration. Weinberg First Year Seminars are only available to first-year students.
Add Consent: Department Consent Required
Drop Consent: Department Consent Required