2021 will see the introduction of the MSc in Religion and Literature. Literature has featured at New College since the early years, with the Senate overcoming initial doubts to appoint Mr Oliphant Smeaton to give a series of lectures entitled ‘The Bible as a Factor in Literature’ in 1907.
This innovative new Masters programme, led by Programme Director Dr Alison Jack, offers deep and broad study of the relationship between all genres of literature and a wide range of religious traditions, thoughts and practices. The programme offers students the opportunity to explore literary and religious texts and ideas, including the history of the emerging field as well as current issues in both areas of study and in their interaction.
Dr Alison Jack
Since studying the New Testament as an undergraduate at New College with Professor John O’Neill, Alison has been fascinated by the ongoing influence of biblical texts and the way they have teased and puzzled their readers. Throughout her academic career Alison has tried to integrate her interest in English and Scottish literature with her study of the Bible, and this has led her to focus on the fiction of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Alison’s work in various parishes alongside her academic studies has offered her much fruitful engagement with committed and interested readers of these biblical texts, in a wide variety of circumstances. The combination of roles has been stimulating and challenging. Other areas of research in Religious and Moral Education in primary and secondary schools have offered fresh insights into contextual readings of the Bible and other sacred texts.
Her recently published monograph, The Prodigal Son in English and American Literature (OUP, 2019), explores the rich connection between this biblical figure and a wide range of literature. Alison has also co-edited a book (with Caroline Blyth) on The BIble in Crime Fiction and Drama (Bloomsbury, 2018).
She is also the Director of the Scottish Network for Religion and Literature.