The Experience of Hell
1. Tuesday, January 13:
Discussion Topic: Why is Hell so much of a daily part of our lives?
I will pass out a set of survey questions which you are required to administer and complete by class time, Tuesday, January 27. I will also administer a class survey.
Image I. World War I: "War is hell . . ."
2. Thursday, January 15
"Hell" according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: READ
Read the first half of Erich Maria Remarque, All Quiet on the Western Front
3. Tuesday, January 20
No Class: I will be attending the Inauguration of "The One" in Washington, DC
4. Thursday, January 22
Finish reading Erich Maria Remarque, All Quiet on the Western Front
Lewis Milestone, "All Quiet on the Western Front" (segment of film): Prepare for film by reading here.
5. Tuesday, January 27
Excursus. Depictions of Hell in Dante's Inferno
Today's class meets in Hesburgh Library, Special Collections Room
The Inferno of Dante, Canto 3 (READ) and Canto 33 (READ).
Background Reading: Alice Turner, The History of Hell (Hesburgh Library Electronic Reserve)
6. Thursday, January 29
Discussion: Great Writing, Persuasive Criticism
Three readings from George Orwell: "Why I write," "Arthur Koestler," and "Review" (hand-outs)
Image II. The Holocaust: "A living hell . . ."
7. Tuesday, February 3
Read the first half of Elie Wiesel, Night
8. Thursday, February 5
Complete your reading of Elie Wiesel, Night
Art Spiegelman, Maus, v. 2, pp. 25-35
Your first writing assignment is HERE. You must hand it in by classtime on Tuesday, February 17.
9. Tuesday, February 10
First Great Debate: TBA
10. Thursday, February 12
Discussion: More Great Writing
In-class Film: Sections of Leni Riefenstahl, "Triumph of the Will"
Image III. Life Itself: "Life is hell . . ."
11. Tuesday, February 17
Existentialism: Without God
Jean-Paul Sartre, "The Wall" (hand-out)
12. Thursday, February 19
Existentialism: With God
Flannery O'Connor, "The Lame shall enter first" (hand-out)
Erin McAdams, On O'Connor's use of analogy in "The Lame shall enter first": HERE
