At institutions worldwide, Mimetic Theory is cropping up in coursework in a wide variety of disciplines. Because the theory is grounded in ideas developed in the fields of anthropology, psychology, sociology, economics, literature, theology, and more, instructors are showing creative and thoughtful ways of introducing students to both the elegance and far-reaching capacity that Girard’s ideas offer. Sometimes these courses use mimetic theory as their central theme; other courses make use of the theory as one of several paradigms illuminating a course theme.
For those of you interested in incorporating Mimetic Theory into your coursework, you may find the list of syllabi below to be helpful in thinking about your presentation of mimetic theory and in contemplating which resources may serve your students well.
It is our intention to continue growing this list of syllabi available to COV&R members. If you have a syllabus that you would like to share with members, please email your file to Curtis Gruenler and include your name, title, school, and a description of the course.
Literature, Film, Communication Studies
Dr. Curtis Gruenler, Professor of English and Director of General Education at Hope College
This course explores a variety of texts from different genres. The course is designed to increase students’ skill and confidence in reading literature (especially the close reading of poetry and prose), to practice the interpretation of texts through representative contemporary critical methods, and to enhance students’ enjoyment of reading, discussing, and writing about literature.
Martin Reichert, Ph.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Liberal Studies, New York University
The course looks at ancient concepts of monsters, strangers, and “others”. Theoretical readings support thematic examinations of some of the usual suspects.
William A. Johnsen, Professor of Twentieth-century British Literature and Modernism
Students use their gifts of reading and writing in the service of the authors they have read together. Their job is to help their reader learn to read the selected authors with greater attention and understanding.
Dr. Phil Rose, Adjunct Professor Communication Studies, York University/McMaster University
This course investigates some of the transformative effects of digital communications technologies within realms of culture as diverse as politics, commerce, finance, contemporary warfare, and morality.
Dr. Phil Rose, Adjunct Professor Communication Studies, York University/McMaster University
An introduction to various theories on the organization, use and manipulation of communication, including semiotics, sociolinguistics, interpersonal communication, group communications and performance. Also considered is how this study of communication theory can facilitate community engagement.
Dr. Phil Rose, Adjunct Professor Communication Studies, York University/McMaster University
This interdisciplinary course surveys and explores the various forms of nonverbal communication, particularly as they relate to the intersection of human nature and culture. The course will also address how these forms intersect with the sensory modalities of audition, vision, haptics, taste and sense.
Dr. Phil Rose, Adjunct Professor Communication Studies, York University/McMaster University
This course serves to synthesize and expand students’ engagement with issues in performance studies through the examination of writings and podcasts that draw on anthropology, phenomenology, materialist analysis, psychoanalysis, gender theory, postmodernism, postcolonialism, and intercultural reception.
Cultural Studies & the Social Sciences
Martin Reichert, Ph.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Liberal Studies, New York University
The course looks at ancient concepts of monsters, strangers, and “others”. Theoretical readings support thematic examinations of some of the usual suspects.
Martin Reichert, Ph.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Liberal Studies, New York University
Students study critical thinkers who seek to understand the contemporary cultural, political and religious crisis, and test them on recent incidents. Students also examine the lives and work of people who have tried to find a nonviolent way out, only to trigger more violence; Gandhi, King.
Martha J. Reineke, Ph.D., Professor of Religion, Department of Philosophy and World Religions, University of Northern Iowa
In this course, we will look first at the interpersonal dimensions of mimetic violence. We will use Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar as our guide because mimetic desire and violence is often most clearly visible to persons who have never previously thought about it in descriptions found in literature. The authors of our great works of literature have been experts at describing mimesis, violence, and scapegoating. Subsequently, we will turn to religion and explore the sacred narratives of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in order to understand the phenomenon of scapegoating and mimetic violence within the context of these major Western faith traditions.
Theology & Religious Studies
Dr. William E. Abshire, The Anna B. Mow Endowed Professor of Philosophy and Religion, Department Chair of Philosophy and Religion, Bridgewater College
Biblical historical and social attitudes toward violence and peace including a study of political social and scientific factors that affect violence at the interpersonal and through war at the international levels of human experience. A seminar approach is used.
Charles Bellinger, Theological Librarian and Associate Professor of Theology and Ethics at Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University
This course addresses the key themes in the writings of Rene Girard, with a view to the impact his thought has had on theological reflection. Particular attention will be paid to the topics of biblical revelation, christology, trinity, atonement, anthropology, ethics, and preaching.
Charles Bellinger, Theological Librarian and Associate Professor of Theology and Ethics at Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University
This course explores the highly ambiguous relationship between religious faith and violence. It provides an overview of situations in modern history that are examples of this ambiguous relationship, including terrorism and the responses it provokes. Students are exposed to authors who seek to comprehend violent behavior using explanatory theories. Students are also exposed to theological arguments relating violence and atonement. The goal is to allow students in the course to develop an understanding of various dimensions (ethical, social, psychological, political, and theological) of the relationship between religious faith and intentional actions that result in ending human lives.
Martin Reichert, Ph.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Liberal Studies, New York University
The course looks at ancient concepts of monsters, strangers, and “others”. Theoretical readings support thematic examinations of some of the usual suspects.
Martin Reichert, Ph.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Liberal Studies, New York University
Students study critical thinkers who seek to understand the contemporary cultural, political and religious crisis, and test them on recent incidents. Students also examine the lives and work of people who have tried to find a nonviolent way out, only to trigger more violence; Gandhi, King.
Martha J. Reineke, Ph.D., Professor of Religion, Department of Philosophy and World Religions, University of Northern Iowa
In this course, we will look first at the interpersonal dimensions of mimetic violence. We will use Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar as our guide because mimetic desire and violence is often most clearly visible to persons who have never previously thought about it in descriptions found in literature. The authors of our great works of literature have been experts at describing mimesis, violence, and scapegoating. Subsequently, we will turn to religion and explore the sacred narratives of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in order to understand the phenomenon of scapegoating and mimetic violence within the context of these major Western faith traditions.
Dr. Phil Rose, Adjunct Professor Communication Studies, York University/McMaster University
This course serves to synthesize and expand students’ engagement with issues in performance studies through the examination of writings and podcasts that draw on anthropology, phenomenology, materialist analysis, psychoanalysis, gender theory, postmodernism, postcolonialism, and intercultural reception.