Date of Award

2024

Type

Thesis

Major

History

Degree Type

Bachelor of Arts

Department

History and Geography

First Advisor

Dr. Bryan A. Banks

Second Advisor

Dr. Ryan J. Lynch

Third Advisor

Dr. Markus Weidler

Abstract

Popular media content creators have routinely drawn from religious concepts when seeking inspiration for new material. Developers in the West have traditionally relied heavily on Christian themes to supply new ideas. Now, more artists have begun to look towards Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Shinto religions for inspiration when conceiving many of the storylines we find in mainstream entertainment today. This thesis will study key examples of film, video game, literary, and television media to show how these artists weave their religiously inspired themes into their respective platforms. In using the rich stories and traditions to develop more in-depth landscapes and compelling storylines, these religions benefit by having their values showcased in some of the most famous pop culture media today.

Included in

Religion Commons

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