RELS 375: The Christian Apologetics of CS Lewis

Catholic Pacific College Undergraduate Course Syllabus Course Number: RELS 375 Course Name: The Christian Apologetics of C.S. Lewis Semester: M&W 15:00-16:15 Fall 2023 Instructor: Dr Andrew Kaethler Contact Information: [email protected] Office Hours: Tuesdays 14:00–16:00 Prerequisites: RELS 160 or RELS 105 COURSE DESCRIPTION This course provides a detailed study of the theological and apologetic writings of C.S.Lewis. The instructor presents the Christian world view of Lewis, as well as limitations and problems that may be inherent in his theological vision. The relevance of Lewis’ writings to the task of ecumenical theological dialogue is a recurrent theme. INSTRUCTOR NOTE C. S. Lewis was one of the twentieth century’s incisive intellects and an influential contributor to Christian apologetics and literature. He penned numerous books, ranging from nonfiction works of theology, philosophy, literary criticism and apologetics, to children’s literature, fiction and poetry. Since he was such a broad and intuitive thinker, it should be no surprise that some of the 20th century’s greatest philosophers and theologians have nothing but praise for him (e.g., Hans Urs Von Balthasar, Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, Josef Pieper, and Robert Spaemann). Although Lewis is recognised as a brilliant thinker, for him, reason did not have the last word. While “reason is the natural organ of truth,” the “imagination is the organ of meaning.” With this in mind, we will explore Lewis’ perspective on life, love, language, literature, friendship, epistemology, myth, morality, and God through his works of apologetics, philosophy, and fiction. 1 COURSE OBJECTIVES The student will: 1. Analyse a number of Lewis’ key apologetic arguments 2. Explore and analyse Lewis’ spiritual imagination. 3. Investigate the philosophical and theological underpinnings of Lewis’ fiction and nonfiction. 4. Analyse how the imagination is the condition for truth and thus apologetics. REQUIRED READING Abolition of Man Mere Christianity Perelandra The Great Divorce The Last Battle Miracles *Selected readings will be posted on Moodle SUPPLEMENTARY READING LIST C.S. Lewis. Till We Have Faces ________. The Four Loves ________. The Discarded Image ________. Letters to Malcolm ________. Chronicles of Narnia ________. Out of the Silent Planet ________. That Hideous Strength ________. The Pilgrims Regress ________. The Problem of Pain ________. Reflections on the Psalms ________. God in the Dock ________. The Weight of Glory ________. Literature, Philosophy and Short Stories ________. The Screwtape Letters ________. Surprised by Joy ________. An Experiment in Criticism Michael Ward. Planet Narnia _______. After Humanity George Sayer. Jack Martha C. Sammons. A Far of Country David C. Downing. Planets in Peril Evan K. Gibson. C.S. Lewis Spinner of Tales Peter J. Schakel. Reason and Imagination In C.S. Lewis Walter Hooper ed. The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis Vol. 1-3 2 COURSE ASSIGNMENTS *Note: Often Lewis’ work is personally inspiring, and it should be. However, that does not mean that your work should be comprised of personal feelings. This is an upper level university course that expects academic engagement. 1. Question and Response x8 Write a question and response to the daily assigned readings of your choice. Create a question that is inspired by the reading(s), and provide a thoughtful response to your question. It is due on the day that the reading is due. This is completed on Moodle. The response to the question should be concise (1-2 paragraphs); it should demonstrate depth of thought, an understanding of the whole assigned reading, and be well written. The point of the assignment is to encourage a close reading of the text, and to ponder the theological and philosophical ideas therein. Do not submit questions that are easily answered (e.g., Who is the protagonist in The Last Battle?), or that Lewis clearly answers himself. Rather, note questions that are difficult to answer (e.g., What is the theological significance of Tirian’s closest friend being a unicorn? Why is Jesus, as a ‘character’, almost completely absent in The Great Divorce?). Every student is expected to submit a total of 8 Question and Responses. The assignment will earn a 1, 2, 3, or 4. 1 is a well written cogent piece that demonstrate thoughtful engagement with the text and is error free; as the semester progresses the response should reference other works read in class (e.g., “similar to Mere Christianity…”). 2 is a piece that is good but either the writing is slightly flawed or the engagement with the text could have probed further. 3 is a poorly written piece that does not demonstrate depth of thought. 4 is absolute sub-standard work (0%). *No late submissions. Total: 15% 2. Cited Outline for Perelandra (Oct. 18), or The Great Divorce (Nov. 1), or The Last Battle (Nov. 13), or Miracles (Nov. 29). Find five key quotes (the quotes should be taken throughout the entire book: beginning, middle, and end) that represent a theological/philosophical notion of the book, and explain each quote including why the quote is important for the book as a whole. A theological/ philosophical notion is not simply an allusion to a biblical event or teaching—dig much deeper than mere allegory. Redemptive suffering, meritorious suffering, and retributive justice are examples of theological/philosophical themes. Do not simply find one overarching theme but note a number of themes or ideas. Each quote should represent a different theme or idea. (3–4 single-spaced pages). 20% 3. (a) Research Paper OR (b) Creative Paper a) Write a research paper that examines a particular facet of Lewis scholarship. Use at least 8 proper sources (a minimum of five primary sources and make sure the secondary sources are reputable, e.g., a recognised author, journal, or book 3 publisher; wikipedia is not a proper source) neither are blogs. The paper must have a thesis statement and make an argument. Length: 6-7 single-spaced pages. b) Write a creative paper (e.g., Screwtape Letter, additional chapter to Great Divorce, an allegory like Pilgrim’s Regress) or poem in response to one of the major motifs found in Lewis’ fiction. The style, use of language, and subject matter must emulate Lewis’. Like the research paper, at least 8 proper sources should be used: a minimum of five primary sources; make sure the secondary sources are reputable (see above). 60% of the assignment is creative and the remaining 40% will explain what you were doing in the creative project (how the paper emulates style, approach, thought, argument, etc.); here the paper must interact with the primary and secondary sources. This latter part of the paper needs to demonstrate a deep understanding of the sources used. Length: 6-7 single-spaced pages. Due date: sign up for one of two options: Oct. 18 or Nov. 15. 30% 4. Quizzes There will be unannounced quizzes throughout the semester, so make sure you do the readings and to check Moodle regularly as the quizzes will be hidden on Moodle until they are opened to write. All quizzes will be written on Moodle and can be completed from 6:00–15:00 of the set date (No make ups will be offered). The quizzes have a set time limit. 10% 5. Participation Regular attendance and completing assignments is simply expected. To receive a participation grade students must actively and thoughtfully engage in class discussion demonstrating knowledge of the assigned readings. Participation considerations (1) be respectful and considerate of others; (2) demonstrate that the reading assignment has been done; (3) exhibit thoughtful contemplation of the topic and reading; (4) engage with other students by responding to questions and possibly raising questions. 5% 6. Final Exam The exam is cumulative. 20%. **Writing Expectations Writing well is an essential part of academia. It is expected that all papers will be well organised and well written (proper grammar, syntax, and spelling). See http:// www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html for proper citation (footnotes not APA). All papers must be written with 12 point font, single-spaced, and paginated. **Submission 4 Submit all assignments via Moodle. Attached documents should be appropriately titled: name first followed by the title of the assignment (e.g., JSmithCitedOutline). **Late Policy All assignments, excluding Q&Rs (these must be turned in on time), will be given a grace period of one class period. For example, if the assignment is due on Monday it can be submitted on Wednesday without a deduction, but assignments will NOT be accepted after this. **Plagiarism Plagiarism is unacceptable. A plagiarised paper will receive zero. For information on plagiarism see http://acts.twu.ca/library/plagiarism.ppt COURSE GRADING/EVALUATION Question and Response 15% Cited Outline 20% Quizzes 10% Research Paper 30% Final Exam 20% Participation 5% Grade A+ A A- % Grade Interpretation Guidelines 95-100 Outstanding, excellent work. Exceptional performance; strong evidence of original thinking; clear capacity to analyse, synthesise, evaluate, elaborate; eloquence and 90-94 insight in written expression; demonstrated masterful grasp of the subject matter and its implications; evidence of an 85-89 extensive and detailed knowledge base. (A+ is reserved for truly exceptional, outstanding accomplishment). B+ 80-84 B 75-79 B- 70-74 C+ 65-69 C 60-64 C- 55-59 Good, competent work. Laudable performance with evidence of some original thinking, careful organisation; satisfactory critical and analytical capacity; reasonably error-free written expression, supported with arguments and well documented; a good grasp of the subject matter, both concepts and key issues; overall, shows a serious, responsible engagement with the course content. Reasonably satisfactory work. Fair performance but limited evidence of original thinking and the capacity to analyse, synthesise or evaluate course material; undue reliance on rote memory; fairly clear but uninspiring written expression, with problems in mechanics or syntax; weak in documented support; satisfactory grasp of basics, but lacks detailed understanding of the course content. 5 D F Minimally acceptable work. Relatively weak performance with little evidence of original thinking or ability to analyse and synthesise course material; written expression 50-54 frequently lacks a coherent argument; ideas are undeveloped; an inadequate grasp of (or confusion in) basic elements of the course. Inadequate work. Poor performance indicating a lack of understanding of essential subject matter; written 0-49 expression is poorly organised, often incoherent, with mechanical and diction errors; shows little evidence of even basic competency in the course content. MOODLE 1. Moodle is the platform on which you will find everything that is needed for the course (excluding books). Make sure you regularly check Moodle and in addition reference the course syllabus (found on Moodle)––this is your responsibility. You are responsible for any important updates or changes made to the course schedule that are posted on Moodle. If you are unsure of something email me, but bear in mind I will only respond on weekdays and within working hours; in addition, I reserve 48 hours to respond to messages, so plan ahead when sending emails about assignments with upcoming deadlines. 2. Readings: This course is text centred. All readings should be completed before the day it is listed. For example, on Moodle January 24 (Monday) shows the following: Abolition of Man ch 1–2. This means that by Monday’s class time (prior to the quiz) the reading should be completed. Regularly check to see if readings have been updated. ATTENDANCE POLICY “Students are expected to attend all of their classes on a regular basis. Students who are absent for the first two classes of a semester may be removed from the class list. Instructors may establish attendance requirements in their classes and will indicate any penalties for non-attendance in their course syllabus. Instructors have the right to bar students from writing the final examination in a course when students have missed 25 per cent or more of the sessions in the course” (TWU Academic Calendar 2019-2020). Students will be given three unexcused absences. Thereafter, 1.5% will be deducted from the student’s final grade for each absence. Three late arrivals equals one absence. CLASS EXPECTATIONS 1. Regularly attend classes and be on time (three late arrivals equals one absence). 6 2. Turn off *laptops, Ipads, cell phones etc. (if a student uses a cell phone during class time he/she will be recorded as absent for that class period). 3. Complete, on time, the class readings and be prepared to engage with the class material. TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM Recognizing that technology is not a neutral tool but carries an informing logic that impedes and obstructs authentic learning, students are asked to mute, turn off, and store all electronic devices when in the classroom. This includes, but is not limited to, laptops, cell phones, tablets, digital watches, and recording devices. The policy does not apply to virtual class settings or to situations where word processing is required (e.g., for an exam). Students are strongly encouraged to use pen and paper when taking notes and to use hardcopies of materials when reading. Accommodations may be granted in cases of accessibility restrictions. ABSENCE FROM FINAL EXAMINATIONS A student who is absent from a final examination without an acceptable excuse will be assigned a zero for that examination. Absence due to illness must be supported by a medical certificate indicating the nature of the illness. If an examination is missed for any reason, including illness, the student must notify the faculty member prior to the examination and the Office of the Registrar within 48 hours of the missed examination, giving written documentation explaining the absence. (TWU Academic Calendar 2020-2021). CAMPUS CLOSURE AND CLASS CANCELLATION POLICY In the event of deteriorating weather conditions or other emergency situations, every effort will be made to communicate information regarding the cancellation of classes to the following radio stations CKNW (980 AM), CKWX (1130 AM), STAR FM (107.1 FM), PRAISE (106.5 FM) and KARI (550 AM). An announcement will be placed as well on the University’s campus closure notification message box (604.513.2147) and on the front page of the University’s website (http://www.twu.ca – also see http://www.twu.ca/campus/ campus-notification.html for more details). An initial announcement regarding the status of the campus and cancellation of classes is made at 6 a.m. and covers all classes beginning before 1 p.m. A second announcement is made at 11 a.m. that covers all classes which begin between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. A third announcement is made at 3 p.m. and covers those classes which begin after 5 p.m. TWU WRITING CENTRE The Writing Centre is available to assist all students with their academic writing assignments in any subject at any stage of the writing process from brainstorming to editing. Live, online writing appointments are available throughout the week by appointment and take place within the Learning 7 Commons appointment booking system. To make an appointment, visit www1.twu.ca/writingcentre. For more information, visit https://www.twu.ca/writing-centre or contact [email protected]. TENTATIVE SCHEDULE Week 1 Sept. 6 1. Syllabus Overview Week 2 Sept. 11, 13 3.Spiritual/Intellectual Bio *CSL Cambridge Comp.; *Remembering CS Lewis 4. Spiritual/Intellectual Bio Pt II MC Bk 1 Week 3 Sept. 18, 20 5. Language and the Moral Life 6. The Reality of Values MC preface Abolition of Man 1–2 Week 4 Sept. 25, 27 7. The Tyranny of Relativism 8. What Christians Believe Abolition of Man 3 MC Bk 2; 1-2 Week 5 Oct. 2, 4 9. What Christians Believe (Trilemma) Pt II *What are we to make of Jesus Christ MC Bk 2; 3-5 10. Christian Behaviour MC Bk 3; 1–6 Week 6 Oct. 9, 11 11. **Thanksgiving Holiday 12. Christian Behaviour Pt II MC Bk 3; 7–12 Week 7 Oct. 16, 18 13. Beyond Personality 14. The Cosmic Trilogy and the Planets MC Bk 4: 1–11 Perelandra 1–9 *The Planets Week 8 Oct. 23, 25 13. Perelandra Cosmic Imaginary 14. Perelandra: Baptising Eros Perelandra 10–7 Perelandra 18–22 Week 9 Oct. 30, Nov. 1 15. Creative Evolution 16. True Reality * Grand Miracle; *Weight of Glory Great Divorce 1–8 Week 10 Nov. 6, 8 17. Restoration or Rejection Great Divorce 9–11 *MacDonald Unspoken 8 18. Otherness and Judgement Great Divorce 12–14 *Is Hell Good News? Week 11 Nov. 13, 15 19. Imaged into Being 20. Planetary Persuasiveness The Last Battle 1–8 The Last Battle 9–16 Week 12 Nov. 20, 22 21. Last Battle Conclusion 22. Miracles *Regensburg Address Miracles, 1-6 Week 13 Nov. 27, 29 23. Miracles 24. Miracles Miracles, 7-11 Miracles, 12-14 Week 14 Dec. 4 25. Miracles Miracles, 15-17 9