The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
APOL 102 | 3 credits | 12-week course | Professor Eric Needle
Course Description
Through the brilliant satirical device of letters from a senior tempter (Screwtape) to his junior nephew (Wormwood), C.S. Lewis exposes the subtle (and not-so-subtle) strategies the devil uses to derail Christians. Students read one or two letters per week in the classic Tapestry book-club rhythm and discover how shockingly relevant 1942 demonic advice is to life in 2025–2026.
Required Text
The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis | Amazon
Any edition with the preface and “Screwtape Proposes a Toast” is fine. HarperCollins ISBN 978-0060652937 recommended)
MERE CHRISTIANITY
Copyright ©1942, C.S.Lewis Pte, Ltd.
Copyright renewed ©1996. All rights reserved.
Printed by HarperCollins Publishers, NY.
Course Objectives
On completion of reading the book, Students will be able to:
- Identify common demonic tactics in daily life
- Explain Lewis’s theology of temptation, prayer, pleasure, and spiritual growth
- Cultivate greater self-awareness and resistance to spiritual attack
- Laugh (nervously) at how often Screwtape is describing us
Weekly Rhythm
- Read the assigned chapter(s).
- Complete each weekly reading quiz (multiple choice / true-false).
- Write a 300–400 word personal reflection (see weekly prompt below).
- Post one discussion thread (200–300 words) + reply to two classmates.
- Participate in live or asynchronous group discussions.
- Write a final paper (1,200-1,500 words).
Grading
| Weekly Quizzes | 12 × 5 points | 60 points |
| Weekly Reflections | 12 × 10 points | 120 points |
| Discussions | 12 × 5 points | 60 points |
| Final Paper | 1 x 60 points | 60 points |
| Total | 300 points |
A = 270+, B = 240+, C = 210+, etc.
