Compose a research paper that delves into the strengths and weaknesses of the careful reading of parables

Compose a research paper that delves into the strengths and weaknesses of the careful reading of parables as a mode for understanding how to read difficult texts–religious or non-religious, fiction or non-fiction–deeply and meaningfully.

Apply the techniques we have learned throughout the course to a careful reading or viewing and interpretation of another classical piece of literature or a movie. Below is a list of suggested readings and films from which you might choose.

You can choose a work that is not on this list, but please consult with the professor before beginning.

The Screwtape Letters (C. S. Lewis)

Paradise Lost, Book I (John Milton)

Poetry by Robert Frost

The Matrix (Wachowski & Wachowski, 1999)

The Exorcism of Emily Rose (Derrickson, 2005)

The research paper should comprise 12-15 pages as well as a bibliography. Include a clear thesis statement and seek to explicate and defend that thesis throughout. Be sure to anticipate objections and respond to them.

In your paper, identify theological themes that run through the work and analyze how the writer organizes these themes to communicate them to the reader or viewer. Capon (2002) provides a great example focusing on grace, kingdom, and judgement to categorize the parables.

In addition, describe how you will apply what you have learned in this course to your dissertation topic or to the selection of a dissertation topic if you have not yet selected a topic.

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