HISTORY OF THE DEVIL

This module aims to provide students with a historical introduction to the descriptions and depictions of the devil (a.k.a. Satan). In so doing, this module addresses broader themes in the study of religion, including: the historical development of the character of Satan/the devil in literary and visual contexts (e.g., in texts, in films, and in TV series); the roles of categories such as "evil" and "the demonic" in the construction of the identity of the devil, especially within Christian theological contexts (both ancient and modern). The broader objectives of instruction are: to develop the capacity to think historically and critically about religious phenomena; to improve students’ capacity to read diverse types of religious sources. The attainment of these objectives equips the student with an anthropologically informed understanding of the study of religious history.

I. Knowledge and Understanding

o Know how to analyze ancient texts and images that are important for the history of the devil.
o Become acquainted with the academic terminology in the study of religion, especially with terms relevant to the study of the history of the devil.
o Know the basic historical development of the concept of the devil.

II. Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding

o Know how to apply the hermeneutical, theoretical, and methodological principles necessary to analyze ancient religious writings.
o Know how to articulate the basic history of Satan/the devil.
o Know how to engage critically with the most important academic works in the study of the devil.
o Know how to integrate ancient religious texts and material objects into the study of the history of the devil.

There are not any prerequisites for this course.

The course will address the major texts, themes, visual representations, and films pertaining to the history of the Devil in Western civilization.

Philip C. Almond, The Devil: A New Biography. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2014.
Richard Raiswell and David R. Winter, The Medieval Devil: A Reader. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2022.

Other teaching materials will be distributed in class or online.

The learning of course content will be assessed through an oral exam. The exam will be based on course readings, lectures, and seminar discussions.

oral

Regarding the grading scale, scores will be assigned according to the following schema:
A. Scores in the 18-22 range will be awarded in the presence of: Sufficient knowledge and applied comprehension of the course content;
B. Scores in the 23-26 range will be awarded in the presence of: Fair knowledge and applied comprehension of the course content;
C. Scores in the 27-30 range will be awarded in the presence of: Good or excellent knowledge and applied comprehension of the course content;
D. Honors will be awarded in the presence of excellent knowledge and applied comprehension of the course content.

In-class teaching and exercises as well as take-home assignments.