USSY 269 - The Symbolism of Evil

Institution:

Case Western Reserve University

Subject:

Description:

The tapestry of history is replete with the irrational, complex, and hidden motives, genius, madness, deeds of religious inspiration, frenzy, and devotion. From the Slaughter of the Innocents, to the Crusades, to the rise of the Third Reich, we know evil from violence and destruction, from insidious and malicious acts, from immoral choices and the sting of conscience. But is evil what one intends to do, or is evil what happens when we remain ignorant, apathetic, unconcerned, or just follow orders? Do we define evil according to religious inspiration or by what frightens us? Tribal religions often conceive of evil as taboo, pollution, and dangerous magic. Religion in the Western tradition has alternately defined evil as the breaking of covenants, straying from the path of God, sinful acts, and malicious thoughts. Kierkegaard experienced evil as the experience of dread at one's finiteness and nothingness. This course will attempt to understand evil as the symbolization of human fear, rage, shame, and suffering. Readings will bridge anthropology, psychology, sociology, and history to delve into the nature of the human encounter and imagination of evil. Prereq: Passing letter grade in a 100 level first year seminar in USFS, FSSY, FSCC, FSNA, FSSO or FSCS. Prereq or Coreq: FSTS 100

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.case.edu

Phone Number:

(216) 368-2000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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