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Gods and Monsters: Understanding our Hopes and Fears
Your Instructor
PhD in Humanities
Emory University
A teacher, scholar, and administrator in higher education for over thirty years, my odyssey begins in the Appalachian Mountains and now finds me at home in the City of Angels. In between I have encountered a number of gods and monsters but have always looked for ways to wisdom for myself and others. Trained in interdisciplinary humanities, I have taught courses in literature, philosophy, and religious studies in small liberal arts colleges, regional universities, and Research I institutions. Since 2000 I have created and taught courses online at several universities, including Rutgers, Maryland, and Walden. Publications include articles and books on Native American literature, postmodernism, literature and theology, and other interdisciplinary topics. Currently, I write and teach a few courses and am especially excited about Thicket.
What you'll learn
Analyze the origins of divinity and monstrosity
Evaluate the cultural and historical processes Involved in "making" a god or a monster
Compare ancient cosmologies in light of gods and monsters
Deconstruct gendered archetypes that arise from god- and monster-making
Course Schedule
We begin by exploring the cognitive science of religion, specifically investigating how human mental processes give rise to belief in the divine. Central to this discussion is anthropomorphism, the tendency to project human traits and agency onto the non-human world as an evolutionary survival mechanism. By using concepts such as the hyperactive agency detection device, we can see that humans are biologically predisposed to interpret uncertain environments as containing purposeful beings. This "best bet" strategy for survival eventually scales into religious frameworks that organize chaos into meaningful patterns. The lecture also contrasts these scientific theories with mystical traditions that view God as fundamentally unknowable and beyond human likeness. Ultimately, religion serves as a symbolic tool for creating meaning, allowing humanity to project internal values onto the universe and read them back.
What You Get
Live interactive sessions
Engage in real-time discussions with expert instructors
Small discussion groups
Up to 15 students for personalized attention
Session recordings
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Dedicated platform
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Frequently asked questions
Your Instructor
PhD in Humanities
Emory University
A teacher, scholar, and administrator in higher education for over thirty years, my odyssey begins in the Appalachian Mountains and now finds me at home in the City of Angels. In between I have encountered a number of gods and monsters but have always looked for ways to wisdom for myself and others. Trained in interdisciplinary humanities, I have taught courses in literature, philosophy, and religious studies in small liberal arts colleges, regional universities, and Research I institutions. Since 2000 I have created and taught courses online at several universities, including Rutgers, Maryland, and Walden. Publications include articles and books on Native American literature, postmodernism, literature and theology, and other interdisciplinary topics. Currently, I write and teach a few courses and am especially excited about Thicket.