Objectives: To explore three classic novels that explore the intersection of the Catholic Church, the city of Rome, and the human condition.

Learning outcomes : By the course’s end students will be able to: a) understand and discuss how the city of Rome both shapes and becomes a character in significant works of literature; b) consider the place of the Catholic faith in these works, and how the city works to mediate that faith; c) write about the intersection of literature and faith in a thoughtful, intelligent way.

Contents: In this course we will read stories about Rome written by Catholic authors (or authors intrigued by Catholicism), such as the Norwegian Nobel Prize winner Sigrid Undset, the American Nathanial Hawthorne, and the Polish Nobel Prize winner Henryk Sienkieqicz. In addition to studying the literary purpose and power of each story, we will also be asking what these authors have to tell us about the intellectual tradition of the Catholic Church and the culture and importance of Rome, the “eternal city.” We will supplement our reading and discussion with some on-location classes that follow the progress of the stories we will be studying

Methodology : A mixture of lecture and discussion. Students will give presentations throughout the semester which will serve as the basis for class discussion.

Means of evaluation: These will include two short presentation papers (20%), weekly reading quizzes (25%), one final essay (30%), and class participation/attendance (25%).