Course

Apocalypticism: Language, Theology, Politics

Please note that this course has been cancelled.

Apocalyptic movements have flourished, from time to time, throughout history. In this interdisciplinary course, we study apocalyptic beliefs and streams of thought, from biblical times through the Middle Ages and into modern times. We investigate apocalypticism with regard to its mythological roots, linguistic expressions, and theological development, as well as it’s ethical and political use. We examine texts with apocalyptic features from different eras using tools from cognitive metaphor theory, philosophy and the history of ideas, political rhetoric, and film analysis. The course provides an in-depth understanding of apocalypticism as an historical phenomenon and as a literary, theological, and political means of expression.

Collins, John J., 1998 (1984): The Apocalyptic Imagination: An Introduction to Jewish Apocalyptic Literature. Second edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans (283 p).

Horsley, Richard A., 2012: The Prophet Jesus and the Renewal of Israel: Moving Beyond a Diversionary Debate. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. P. 1-64 (64 p).

Horsley, Richard A., and Tiller, Patrick A., 2012: After Apocalyptic and Wisdom: Rethinking Texts in Context. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books. P. 230-279 (50 p).

Keller, Catherine, 2005 (1997): Apocalypse Now and Then: Feminist Guide to the End of the World. Minneapolis: Fortress Press. P. 1-83, 140-180, 224-310 (209 p).

Osborn, Ronald E., 2010: Anarchy and Apocalypse: Essays on Faith, Violence, and Theodicy. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books (155 p).

The Oxford Handbook of Apocalyptic Literature. 2014. Edited by John J. Collins. Oxford & New York: Oxford University Press. Pp. 1-16, 19-35, 36-51, 52-68, 145-162, 271-294, 326-339, 373-387 (137 pp).

Primary texts and some articles, 100 p.

Literature last revised on September 9, 2014.