HUM 3213: Classics of Religious Literature:
Storytelling in Five Major Religions
Fall 2022
James R. Adair
We tell ourselves stories in order to live. ‐ Joan Didion
Contact Information
Email: james.adair@utsa.edu
Phone: 210-363-8230
Office Location: FLN 1.02.06H
Office Hours: by appointment
Course Description: How do five major religions use narrative to communicate their religious beliefs and values, while entertaining their audiences at the same time? Find out as we read non-scriptural selections from Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, and Christianity and discuss possible meanings and impact. Together we’ll explore the forests and plains of India, tales of past lives of the Buddha, the world of ancient Israel and Judah, the stories that Scheherazade told the king over 1001 nights, and adventures of the knights of the Round Table.
Course Links
- Louis Ginzberg, Legends of the Jews (Stories from the Mishna, Talmud, and Midrash) - read chapters I (The Creation of the World), II (Adam), XV (David), XVIII (Elijah)
- The Jataka, vol. 1 (Tales of the Buddha's past lives) - read Jatakas 1-70
