Course Syllabus
The Philosophy and Theology of C.S. Lewis
3 Credit Hours
Course Description
An exploration of the philosophy and theology of C.S. Lewis — engaging his major works (Mere Christianity, The Problem of Pain, Miracles, The Abolition of Man, The Discarded Image, and more) as philosopher, Christian apologist, and literary scholar.
Prerequisite(s)
None
Section I – Course and Schedule Information
I. Meeting Location and Times
Days:To be announced
Time:To be announced
Mode:Online (Zoom)
Classroom:Zoom
II. Instructor Information
Instructor:Parker Settecase
Office:Zoom
Office Hours:By appointment only
Email:parkerspensees@gmail.com
III. Required Textbooks
- The Problem of Pain. C.S. Lewis.
- The Discarded Image. C.S. Lewis.
- Miracles 2nd Edition. C.S. Lewis.
- Mere Christianity. C.S. Lewis.
- Out of the Silent Planet. C.S. Lewis.
- Perelandra. C.S. Lewis.
- That Hideous Strength. C.S. Lewis.
- The Abolition of Man. C.S. Lewis.
- The Four Loves. C.S. Lewis.
- God in the Dock. C.S. Lewis.
- Christian Reflections. C.S. Lewis.
IV. Additional Materials for Learning
- PDFs provided by instructor
V. Course Learning Outcomes (Objectives)
- Describe the life and thought of C.S. Lewis
- Assess the philosophical views of C.S. Lewis
- Assess the theological views of C.S. Lewis
- Critically evaluate 2 of C.S. Lewis’s philosophical, theological, or apologetical arguments
VI. Course Requirements and Assignments
A. Reading (100 points): Students are to complete the assigned reading before each class and come prepared for discussion. On the final assignment, students will indicate what percentage of the required reading they have completed.
Come to class with three (3) questions or observations from the week’s reading.
B. READING REFLECTIONS (100 PTS.): You will have to write ten (6) reflections based on your readings. These are due PRIOR to each class (Saturday by 12:59 PM central).
o Write two reflection paragraphs (at least 5 sentences each) prior to class discussion. Your paragraphs should cover (pick two):
1. questions or challenges to your own thinking;
2. any helpful philosophical or theological insight derived from reading;
C. Research paper: This paper will involve an in-depth analysis of two of C.S. Lewis’s ideas, 1 philosophical or apologetical, 1 theological. Note: I am flexible on the topics, but all research paper topics need to be approved by me beforehand.
- The length will range from a 4000-word minimum and a 5000-word maximum, not including footnotes. Papers should be formatted in Chicago Style.
D. Précis: You will write 2 précis papers of no more than 900 words each. They can be on any of the assigned readings and are due during the last week of classes. I will share the guidelines in a paper called “On Writing a Précis” with students during the first week of class. Your assignment is two-fold: three-quarters of the assignment will be a terse, careful summary of one of the assigned readings; the remaining quarter will offer a critical assessment of Lewis’s thought in the reading.
E. Reflection Paper: In this paper (1000-1500 words), answer the following questions: (a) how did this course impact your understanding of C.S. Lewis and his thought? (b) In what ways did this course challenge or confirm your philosophical and/or theological beliefs? (c) what’s your main take away from this course?
VII. Class Schedule
| Week | Date | Topic | Reading | Assignment |
|---|
| 1 | | Biography | Who is C.S. Lewis? | Surprised By Joy (all); The Problem of Pain (all); “On the Reading of Old Books” (in God in the Dock); Topics:; o Lewis’s life, education, goals; o The Most Reluctant Convert; o The Romantic-Rationalist | |
| 2 | | Apologetics | What is it? How did Lewis Do It? | “Christian Apologetics” (in God in the Dock); “De Futilitate” (in Christian Reflections); Miracles (chapters 1-6, 13); Mere Christianity (all); “Bulverism” (in God in the Dock); Topics:; o What is apologetics?; o How did CSL do apologetics?; Front Door & Side Door Apologetics; o The Argument from Reason; Contra naturalism; o The Moral Argument; o Lived Ontological Proof; Joy, senseutch; o Problem of Evil; Free will; Stable environment; Poison of Subjectivism; Author Analogy | |
| 3 | | Theology 1 | | |
| 4 | | Theology 2 | | |
| 5 | | Philosophy 1 – Speculative Philosophy | | |
| 6 | | Philosophy 2 – Practical Philosophy | | |
July 11, 2026 – August 15, 2026 · Profer