'Desert Power': Religion and History in Dune

In 1965 American author Frank Herbert published Dune, which became one of the most popular and influential science fiction novels of the twentieth century. The novel is set in a distant human future, but historical events and cultures were important inspirations for the plot, and a creative interpretation of real religions is central to the novel’s setting. In anticipation of the second installment of a new blockbuster movie version of this classic novel, this interdisciplinary panel reflects on history and religion in the movies and the book.

Panelists:

Hannah Barker is an Associate Professor of medieval history in the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies.

Han Hsien Liew is an Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies in the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, specializing in the intellectual history of pre-modern Islam.

Toby Harper is an Associate Professor of nineteenth and twentieth century imperial history in the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies.

Jason Bruner is a Professor of Religious Studies and Director of the Desert Humanities Initiative at the Humanities Institute.

0:00 Introductions
10:04 Han Hsien Liew, "Mahdis and Chosen Ones in Islamic History"
23:17 Hannah Barker, "Slavery and Power in Islamic History"
36:44 Toby Harper on "Desert Power Fantasies"
47:07 Discussion and Q&A