DESCRIPTION:

This course surveys examines a wide range of C. S. Lewis's theological and imaginative writings, with a view to major themes, both apologetic and spiritual.

The effective practice of Christian ministry will be enhanced by developing an understanding-- and appreciation--of the remarkable impact of C. S. Lewis' contributions not only to the area of Christian apologetics, but also to the world of the imagination (i.e., fiction with a profound spiritual component). While our classroom investigations and discussions will be primarily theological, biographical and literary in nature, every effort will be made to set aside time in class for the practical application of the material under consideration.

The course will meet for four hours each weekday (Monday-Friday) for two weeks, for a total of 10 sessions or 40 hours. The time will be devoted to lectures, questions and answers, and classroom discussion.

(1) Lewis, C. S. Surprised by Joy (San Diego: Harcourt Brace, 1975). ISBN: 0156870118. This work is to be read PRIOR to the commencement of class.

(2) A minimum of five additional books by Lewis; your reading of PRIMARY texts must collectively represent a minimum of 1200 pages in total length. (You may choose any book from the following list, but only one book may be selected from Lewis' Space Trilogy and only one book may be selected from Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia):

God in the Dock . Christian Reflections. The Case for Christianity. Mere Christianity.

Till We Have Faces. The Problem of Pain. A Grief Observed. The Abolition of Man.

The Four Loves. Screwtape Letters. The Great Divorce. Miracles.

Space Trilogy (Out of the Silent Planet; Perelandra; That Hideous Strength).

The Chronicles of Narnia (The Magician's Nephew; The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe; The Horse and His Boy; Prince Caspian; Voyage of the Dawn Treader; The Silver Chair; The Last Battle).

(3) Course reader.

Carpenter, Humphrey. The Inklings. Boston: Horton Mifflin Company, 1979.

Goffar, Janine. The C. S. Lewis Index. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 1995.

Hopper, Walter. C. S. Lewis Companion and Guide. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1996.

Schultz, Jeffrey and West, John G. West, Jr., eds. The C. S. Lewis Readers' Encyclopedia. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1988.

• Two five-page reflective papers covering class topics and readings: 40% of final grade (20% x 2) (the first due on Monday August 9, the second due Monday August 16).

• Ten-page research paper on topic approved by the instructor: 35% of final grade (due in September).

• Class attendance and participation: 25% of final grade.