The Journey Within: The Spiritual Pursuit in Literary and Mystical Traditions A fundamental teaching of the world’s religious and mystical traditions is that the source of love, the fulfillment of life, and the treasure of heaven are found within. With mystical and literary texts from antiquity to the present day as our guides, we shall explore themes such as the concept of the soul, the discovery of a deeper self, the spiritual awakening, and the nature of the mystical experience. Using both intellectual and experiential tools of inquiry, we shall consider questions related to religious and psychological experience such as: Where does the self reside? Why is it important to “know thyself”? What is the state of consciousness described as enlightenment? How does one rise above the sorrows and struggles of the world? Finally, we shall try to understand how ‘turning within’ may not mean fleeing away from the world; rather we shall explore the possibility that this direction might even mean engaging in the world around us in a more profound and meaningful way. Readings will include Plato, Marcus Aurelius, excerpts from the New Testament, Tolstoy, Emily Dickinson, Herman Hesse, J.D. Salinger, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mary Oliver.

Senior Colloquium in Literary Studies Although it is required of all Literary Studies seniors, this course is intended for students working in any discipline who seek a close encounter with some of the greatest achievements of the literary imagination. In addition to being understood as distinctive artistic and philosophical accomplishments, the major works which constitute the reading list will also be seen as engaged in a vital, overarching cultural conversation across temporal and geographical boundaries that might otherwise seem insurmountable. The texts for this semester include Homer’s Odyssey, Aeschylus’ Oresteia, Cervantes’ Don Quixote, Dostoevsky’ Crime and Punishment, Pirandello’ Six Characters in Search of an Author, and Borges’ Ficciones.

The New Testament in Narrative and Art: Considering the Aesthetics of the Christian Story For two millennia, the figure of Jesus has captivated the imagination of spiritual seekers around the world. In this course we will explore literary and theological dimensions of the New Testament with special attention to the Gospel as stories, while considering works of art inspired by its themes and characters across time. Paintings, cinematography, and literary narratives from The Protevangelium of James and Maximus the Confessor, to Dostoevsky, Kazantzakis, Sholem Asch, Saramago, Flannery O'Connor, and Marilynne Robinson, will invite the question: how have word and image shaped the understanding of the sacred stories and Christian imagination? Through close readings of the New Testament and exegetical discussion combining systematic with narrative theology, we will analyze style and composition, situate the texts in their historical context, and explore various readers’ perspectives, ancient and modern.

Senior Comprehensive Exam Intended for majors in literary studies preparing for the written section of the senior comprehensive examinations.

The Way of the Ascetics: The Making of the Self in Christian Monasticism The practice of asceticism appeared in ancient Christianity as a movement striving for a deeper spiritual life and connection with the Divine. Men and women withdrew into the wilderness to become fully attuned to God, while engaging more empathetically with their human communities and the natural environment, and serving the poor and socially marginalized. We shall examine how their new model of living challenged the traditional formations of identity and power through cultivating a watchful mind and deepening awareness.  We shall also consider its possible relevance for our postmodern world. Readings will include Desert Wisdom anthologies such as “The Philokalia,” and works of American mystic Thomas Merton and novelist Annie Dillard.

Mary the Mother of God: History, Theology, and Art In this course we will explore the emergence and development of the Marian cult from the early Christian centuries in Byzantium and the Middle East, throughout Christian history East and West. Why has Mary’s prominence been overlooked despite her centrality in Christian devotion? Through historical, archaeological, and textual research we will attempt to retrace the fragments of Mary’s life as it was remembered in the ritual experience of the faithful and reimagined in visual art. Drawing on often neglected sources, including early liturgical texts, hymnography, iconography and sacred sites, we will examine the importance of Mary’s role in the formation of early Christian belief and later Christian spiritual leadership, including female ministry and agency within the church. Finally, we will consider the paradox of the “Global Mary” apparitions: how do those sensory experiences of miracles and visions point to a contemplative theological mode that shapes the “inner” life of prayer and provides a model of holiness? (RELI 0130 or RELI 0180 or RELI 0236 or RELI 0282 or RELI 0285 or RELI 0290 or permission by the instructor).

Literature and the Mystical Experience In this course we will explore how narrative art articulates spiritual perception by examining selected works of 20th century writers such as Miguel De Unamuno, Nikos Kazantzakis, J. D. Salinger, Charles Williams, Flannery O'Connor, Thomas Merton, Alice Munroe, Marilynne Robinson, and Annie Dillard.  Drawing on theology and philosophy as an interpretative mode, we will consider the following questions: How does literature illuminate selfhood and interiority? How do contemplation and ascetic practice guide the self to divine knowledge and cosmic unification? How do language, imagery and symbols shape the unitive experience as a tool for empathy and understanding of the other?

Women and the Sacred in Late Antiquity and Byzantium This course will explore the female religious experience in Greco-Roman antiquity and Early Christianity.  We shall trace the transition from the mystery religions of Demeter and Isis in the Eastern Mediterranean to the cult of Mary the Mother of God (Theotokos) and the worship of female saints.  Drawing on a wide range of sources (hymns, saints' Lives, Apocryphal Gospels, Patristic texts, and icons), we shall study the varieties of female devotion and examine the roles available to women in the early Church: deaconesses and desert mothers, monastics and martyrs, poets and rulers.  Different theoretical approaches will enable us to ask a series of questions: were women in the early Church considered capable of holiness? To what extent did the female 'gifts of the spirit' challenge church authority?  What is distinct about the feminine experience of the divine?  Finally, we shall consider the vision and poetics of female spirituality in select modern poets.

Maria Hatjigeorgiou

Reviews and ratings for Maria Hatjigeorgiou at Middlebury College.Maria Hatjigeorgiou teaches The Journey Within, Senior Colloquium, New Testament Narrative Art and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Maria Hatjigeorgiou good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Professor Maria is a very strong lecturer, and one of the best parts of the class is the way she presents material. She is clearly knowledgeable, thoughtful, and able to explain complex ideas in a way that feels engaging. Her lectures often open up interesting questions and encourage students to think beyond a simple right or wrong answer. I appreciated that the class did not feel overly rigid and that there was room for discussion, interpretation, and personal engagement with the material.

At the same time, the overall purpose and direction of the course were not always clear. Because the class was very open-ended 

Professor Maria is an Angel and anyone who has interest in the New Testament, Christianity, or religion in general should 100% take this course. The New Testament is truly fascinating and the papers and presentations truly have 0 restrictions in terms of topics of choice so you are free to present or write on what you find interesting and important to you.

Professor Maria is one of the nicest teachers I have ever had. The way she explains and asks questions can sometimes be confusing, but she is so nice that there is very little stress. There are no exams, and optional presentations to most likely boost your grade. There has not been any graded work yet, and we contribute to a class document whenever we want. Overall, the course is based a lot on participation and it is what you make of it. Having interest or background with the New Testament definitely helps.