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Religious Studies 198 course
description Fall 2007 See below
for: Purpose of the Course: This is a Humanities Base course, part of the General Education requirements at the University of Dayton. As part of the first-year study of what it means to be human, it is a course that pursues an understanding of human nature, needs, and capabilities, by analyzing and evaluating one of the most pervasive and influential aspects of human life--religion. Religion has been the strongest influence in human history for defining the person, as a self, in relation to the world, to others, and to the ultimate. So this course touches on all four Humanities Base themes: autonomy and responsibility, the individual and society, humankind and the natural world, faith and reason This course is not mainly an introduction to religion but to the study of religion. Anyone who has taken a course in world religions or high school courses on some particular religious tradition may have studied religions or a religion. This course will do a fair amount of that. But the further purpose of such study in this course is to take a step back from religion to ask questions about what it reveals about human needs and practices and aspirations, to ask questions about how religion functions in human life. You may find this approach helpful for making your own analyses and choices about religion. Course
Objectives 1) identify and characterize religions in terms of developmental categories, as well as in standard categories for major aspects of religion (e.g., code, creed, cult, canon, community); 2) recognize and describe major differences among at least some of the great classical religions of history, such as the Western monotheisms, Hindu and Buddhist traditions, Taoism, and others, including their practices, beliefs, and value systems; 3) enter into the perspectives of religions other than their own; 4) summarize and critically evaluate many of the several major theories of the nature, origin, and function of religion; 5) read and analyze some primary texts relevant to various religions; 6) use and evaluate web-based sources relevant to religion, including new religious movements (NRMs); 7) share in the work of 3 to 4-person team of students to develop a presentation for class; 8) identify and use resources relevant for a research paper on a topic related to religion. Course Content [See the Calendar of Classes for the order of contents.] Aspect I: Patterns in Religion A. Developmental sequence of basic beliefs in sacred powers
A. Religious Theories about Religion.
C. The Problem of Evaluating Religions Teaching
Methods Evaluation
Procedures.
The first four are each worth up to 100 points. 2. Another exam Fri Oct. 19, following the same procedures as the first. The essay questions will ask the student to discuss several of the major functions and aspects common to religions everywhere. 3. A final exam, Thur. Dec 11 or 14, like the first two exams. The essay questions will ask the student to describe modern (and postmodern) developments in religion, the current status of religion in the West (and in Muslim countries), and to discuss the problem of evaluating religions. 4. A brief research paper, of 7-8 pages, will prepare the student to join in a group presentation. The paper should be based on sources not used in the course, on some currently significant religious realities, analyzing it according to the categories and the theories discussed in the course. (This could include such topics as the growth of new religions or a specific new religion, U.S. anti-evolutionism or Islamic fundamentalism, the role of religion in cultural changes in South America or Africa, syncretism today, religion-based conflicts etc.) The paper will normally be due 9 days in advance of the presentation. The due date will depend on when each student's group will make its presentation. For more on the paper and on the presentation described below, go to the "Assignments, Exams" pages (see the link above at the left), which will have a link to a list of possible topics for the papers and presentations. The first set of papers will be due Monday, Oct. 15, for the presentation on Oct. 24. The paper is worth up to 100 points. 5. Each student, as part of a three four person group, will make a presentation to the class based on the research paper using lecture, electronic media, and texts, either comparing specific religious traditions or analyzing specific theories about the nature of religion. They will be expected to draw some of their materials from the web, and to make clear how they evaluate its reliability. These presentation will take place on consecutive Wednesdays, beginning Oct. 25 . This will be worth up to 50 points for each participant. 6. There will also be four "Reading Guides" assigned on the "common readings" [See below as well as the Humanities Base page for more on these.] Three will be worth up to 10 points; the fourth, on Mark's Gospel, will be worth up to 20 points, for a total of up to 50 points. 7. Every student should attend at least one special event occurring at UD or in Dayton that has some relation to religious studies, and write a two-page report. Every student may also attend a second special event and write a report for extra credit. A list of possible events will be provided to you on these webpages. Check this link to a list of possibilities. These two reports can add up to 20 points 8. Each student will be responsible for a discussion question, worth up to 10 points. See the webpage linked to this page, on the "Discussion Questions" ["DQ"s] [9 In relation to chapter 14, each student will hand in a paragraph (not a page) evaluating her or his favorite theologian of those listed in this chapter. This will not be graded.] Texts
and Supplementary Materials The 4 "common readings" for REL 103. (Gen. 1-3, the Buddha's Sermon at Benares, Mark’s Gospel, and Phyllis Tribble’s commentary on Gen. 2-3) These "common readings" have Reading Guide assignments connected to them. They are part of all introductory Religious Studies courses at UD; hence the name "common readings." You can find these common readings by going through "Portfolio.udayton.edu. But more helpful versions, with introductory material and background, can be found through the "Readings" links at the upper left of this page. Numerous selections from primary sources are assigned often (see the Calendar), almost all of them available through the "Readings" page. The student will need to get a password to gain access to this page. These are the readings the students should use to illustrate their answers on the essay exams. They will be discussed in classes prior to the relevant exams. Sources selected by students for their individual research papers and for the group presentation should be from both the library and the internet. For substantive articles or chapters, library sources are probably best, though some of these are online through thelibrary. Specific
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