Honors Research Seminar: “England Through the Mist": Perennial Riddles and English Thought.

Catalog description

This class begins with the ancient Britons and the struggle between light and darkness. This conflict encompasses both the literal changes of the seasons, and the metaphor for the battle between good and evil. We will then trace how this theme evolves over time, examining how ideas about nature, morality, and justice have shaped English thinking. The history behind landmarks like the Tower of London, stories of notorious figures like Jack the Ripper, and darker moments in English history such as the witchcraft trials will be examined. Additionally, it will be explained how the formation of Scotland Yard and the moral theories developed at Oxford shed light on these dark events and provide us with hope for a better world. By examining these subjects through the lenses of philosophy, criminal justice, criminology, and moral psychology, we will uncover how fear of the unknown, the search for truth, and the pursuit of justice have been woven into English culture and history. Fall. Prerequisites: ENG 101 and ENG 102 ; Permission of the Honors Program Coordinator.