Study Homer at university

Philosophy students in Michigan have been told to read up on Homer - Simpson,that is.

For Siena Heights University is now offering lessons in The Simpsons.

Unsurprisingly, the course ­ Animated Philosophy and Religion, taught by Kimberly Blessing and Anthony Sciglitano ­ is already proving popular at the Catholic college.

Student Lacy Wilmot told CNN: "I think I will learn a lot, and it will be very funny too."

Blessing said the course was inspired by the recent book The Gospel According to The Simpsons, which praised the show for its depiction of religious issues.

"When the book came along, I though it would offer another opportunity to draw people into philosophy," Blessing said.

Published: 17 Dec 2001