RLT4080

Sacred writings: the hymn, myth and ritual

Walter Veit

12 points
* 3 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton

Objectives Students completing this subject should have become familiar with the history and theory of a specific literary genre and its presentation of the idea of the `sacred'; they should have gained an understanding of the importance of the religious dimension in literature and its critical assessment in modern theory of literary criticism.

Synopsis This subject explores the origin and tradition of sacred song as part of myth and religious ritual in European culture from antiquity to the present. It investigates the establishment and development of the hymn as one of the most important genres of poetry, and its phenomenology in magical invocation, prayer song, sacerdotal adjuration, prophetic and mystic incantation, and philosophical hymn. Particular attention will be paid to the integration of intercultural influences, the hymn's relation to myth and its function in ritual practices and the establishment of a religious community in the past and today. Texts will be studied in translations, but students of classical and European languages other than English are encouraged to use their language competence for further studies.

Assessment 2 papers (2000 words each): 40%
* Long essay (5000 words): 60%

Prescribed texts

The Bible any complete edition, preferably the King James translation