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Thursday, November 12, 2026Nov 12

Kennedy: UTC students make horror movies to ponder philosophy and religion

Ethan Mills, associate professor of philosophy at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, has his students make horror videos as part of a class in philosophy and pop culture. Contributed photo by Angela Foster, UTC.
Ethan Mills, associate professor of philosophy at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, has his students make horror videos as part of a class in philosophy and pop culture. Contributed photo by Angela Foster, UTC. Ethan Mills, associate professor of philosophy at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, has his students make horror videos as part of a class in philosophy and pop culture. Contributed photo by Angela Foster, UTC.

There’s a trend in higher education called experiential learning.

It’s based on the theory that a hands-on experience is often a good way to stamp an idea on your brain.

If you live it, you learn it, the thinking goes.

One course offered by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga uses fly fishing to teach religious concepts.

Another example is Dr. Ethan Mills’ Pop Culture and Religion and Philosophy course at UTC.