Planet Narnia: The Medieval Cosmology of C. S. Lewis

Dive into the cosmology of Narnia this summer by exploring the mythological and planetary associations of each of the seven books in C. S. Lewis’s beloved series. This course will begin with an overview of Ptolemaic cosmology and Michael Ward’s theory that each of the Narnia books is associated with one of the seven planets of medieval astronomy and the beliefs connecting each to Greek and Roman mythology. Students will keep reading journals noting any planetary and legendary influence for one Narnia book each week and will complete an open-ended final project which gives a comprehensive look at one Narnia book with all of its medieval associations, which can be artistic, written, or recorded in video or audio form.

• Students will read the Narnia series in its entirety.
• Students will become familiar with Michael Ward’s “Planet Narnia” theory.
• Students recognize the mythological and planetary influences present in each of the Narnia books.
• Students will complete a final project personally expressing their view of the most important aspects of these influences on one of the Narnia books.

Books

• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
• Prince Caspian
• The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
• The Silver Chair
• The Horse and His Boy
• The Magician's Nephew
• The Last Battle
• The Narnia Code by Michael Ward (optional)"