ENGL 461 Contemporary Christian Fiction

This contemporary and popular Christian fiction course explores the major themes, styles, and archetypes in imaginatively communicating Christian theology, the human condition, and redemption.

Many often focus on theological exegesis of the Bible or Christian literature without approaching it also as literature; however, combining a religiously informed analysis of the Bible/Christian literature with a literary framework such as literary analysis of genre, character, allusions, narrative style, structure, language, and many other literary tools uncovers deeper meanings that adds complexity to one’s understanding—even to simple, familiar, straightforward stories, and texts. This paired approach is the focus of this course, particularly through the lens of the subgenre of contemporary fiction and Christian fiction, to equip students to use literary tools to explore the theological ramifications, wisdoms, and richness of the complexity of Christian literature, its variety of meaning, forms, and interpretations of the themes of its mission-minded authors who use their talents, abilities, and literary craft to present readers with intriguing literary and theological contribution. 

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

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After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview. 

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the students are required to submit a thread in response to the provided prompt listed in the discussion. Each thread must be at least 450 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge whereby you include references and citations of course material. In addition to the thread, students are required to reply to 3 classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 250 words and should engage in the thesis of the peers original thread. Replies must add additional textual/literary references beyond what was included in the original post and should challenge your peers’ theses by including ideas from course material or additional readings on related topics.

Continuum of Christian Fiction Assignment

For this assignment, students will need to compile a list of their favorite books within the genre of Christian fiction. This list should contain at least five books in total (a few more is welcomed). Students will provide a proper bibliographic entry for each book followed by a short, two-part assessment of 750 words explaining why this book belongs in their top five list within the genre.

Biblical Comparison Research Assignment

For this assignment, students will read one standalone novel of biblical fiction (Of Fire and Lions or The Thief of Corinth) and write a 1100-1300 word paper explaining how these books approach this subgenre while utilizing the biblical narrative within their story. Students will compare and contrast their chosen novel with whatever biblical source text/research that was utilized in forming the story or the characters. Each of the authors covered in this course (within this space) approach their storying of the fiction set in biblical times with different priorities. Reflect on these as you analyze the source material that has made its way into these fictional tales. 

Thematic Analysis Proposal Assignment

For this proposal students will need to demonstrate preliminary research for their final paper, which requires reading in both Chasing Fireflies and Her Mothers Hope.  Students will complete this proposal by developing four sections: 1) Synopsis/Annotations of research, 2) Comparison, 3) Assessment/Reflection, and 4) Research Outline.

Thematic Analysis Research Assignment

For this assignment students will need to have read both Chasing Fireflies and Her Mothers Hope. Students write a 1500–2000-word thematic analysis on how these two books portray parent/child relationships amidst a fallen world. 

Quiz: Reviews, Reflections, and Assessments

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned module. Each quiz will be open book/open notes, contain 8 essay questions and have a 2 hour time limit.