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Overview

This module explores what draws so many creative thinkers and writers to reflect on the mysterious, unsayable, and hidden being of the Judeo-Christian God. Mystical writers seek to understand and connect with the transformative presence of God, and turn to many aesthetic forms (philosophy, theology, poetry, art, music) to contemplate and describe their experiences of God. By exploring texts from the Song of Songs to Allen Ginsberg鈥檚 Howl, the module asks: what are the pressures that mystical encounters put on literary expression? What are the formal or stylistic innovations that mysticism encourages? How does mystical literature help us to reflect on the inner or interior life and the idea of spiritual growth?

The module proceeds historically but introduces contemporary texts where they might help clarify and resonate with some of the earlier texts (for example, we'll explore Hildegard of Bingen through Hilma of Klint鈥檚 modern paintings and Rosal铆a's Lux). While the module is focused on the Judaeo-Christian literary tradition, elements of other mystical religions will be discussed (for example, T. S. Eliot鈥檚 reading of the Hindu Bhagavad Gita, and Carl Jung鈥檚 reading of the Tao de Ching).

Assessment

Assessment is by literature review, a 2500 word essay, and a spoken assessment. More details can be found here.

Syllabus 2026/27

The syllabus is available online here, where you will find links to most of the set texts online. Those with marked next to them will be digitised by the library and made available in September. also lists scholarly editions of the texts on the syllabus, which can be used to explore syllabus extracts in context and for citation purposes in your assessments.

Seminars

There are four seminar groups this year:

Wednesday 9.00-10.30 (H3.57); Wednesday 11.00-12.30 (H3.57); Friday 9.00-10.30 (S2.84); Friday 11.00-12.30 (S2.84). My office hours are on Mondays and Fridays (times tbc).