376 Calendar

Professor: Michael H. Barnes, Ph.D.
Office: Jesse Phillips Humanities Building., room 347. Phone: 229-2034 (home: 223-3300)  
      barnes@udayton.edu
Regular office hours: MWF: 10:00 to 10:30; 1:00 to 2:00 TTh 11:00 to 3:00,
      Other times by prearrangement
(Classes: MWF 11:00 -- 1:00,  4:30 -- 5:45

Homepage:    http://homepages.udayton.edu/~barnes

General Purpose of the course:
The application of “scientific” methods to the study of religion has challenged theologians in various ways. Though there are many theological responses, for simplicity this course will focus on two types, the inward-looking and the outward-looking The inward-looking rejects secular standards, including scientific rationalism; the outward-looking seeks to interact more positively with cultural forces. The course will examine a good number of challenges and theological responses.

Course Outline. In 5 major parts plus a paper.
1. An introductory set of readings will help to both define and illustrate the challenge of the social sciences and the basic types of responses made by theologians.  Followed by Exam #1, Wed. Feb. 1. Worth 100 points max.
2. An analysis of various anthropological interpretations of religion, as well as some theological implications. This includes commentary on and excerpts from Tylor, Frazer, Evans-Pritchard, Geertz, Eliade, and Otto.
3. An analysis of various sociological interpretations of religion, with theological implications. This will include commentary on and excerpts from Durkheim, Berger, and others. Parts 2 and 3 will be followed by Exam #2, on Mon. Mar 6. This will be the most difficult exam. Worth 100 points max.
4. An analysis of various psychological interpretations of religion. This will include commentary on and excerpts from Feuerbach, Freud, as well as from some evolutionary psychology sources, including theories and readings on both human nature and the foundations of religion.
5.  An analysis of various political interpretations of religion, including Marx, the social gospel movement, liberation theology, and other sources. Followed by Exam #3, on April 14, worth 100 points max.
6. A research paper (see below). A bibliography is due Mon. Jan. 30, worth up to 10 points; the first draft of the paper is due Wed. Mar 1 for critique, worth up to 20 points. ; Final draft due as the Final Exam. This is worth another possible 80 points.

Texts: 1) Daniel L. Pals, Seven Theories of Religion (Oxford, 2005), and 2) Gregory Baum, ed., The Twentieth Century: A Theological Overview (Orbis Books,1999). There will be a significant number of handouts also, including excerpts from primary sources.

Weekly answers to questions.
Each class you will have the option of handing in a 4 x 6 card with brief answers to the questions posed in relation to each of the readings.  See the Calendar for the course for these questions. These will be graded as acceptable or not. Of the possible 20 answer cards, 5 can be left undone or be unacceptable. 15 “acceptable” cards will earn 75 points ( + 15 free points), for a maximum of 90 points.

Research paper:
This is an 6-8 page research paper. The biblio is due Jan 30; the first draft will be due March 1. Each student will hand in two copies, one for the teacher and one to be critiqued by another student. The final draft will be due at the time assigned for the final exam. This paper constitutes the final exam. Between presenting the first draft and the final each student will give a 6 minute presentation in an interesting format to the rest of the class.

Grade standards: 93%=A, 92-90% A- 87%=B+ 83-86=B, etc. (D=60-69).

Specific Policies:
If you have special needs or disabilities, be sure to inform the teacher.
Late exams: except in unusual circumstances all exams should be taken at the assigned time. If you miss one email me at once, or leave word and your phone number at 229-2034 to make arrangements for a make-up exam. [Give your name and number slowly and clearly, please.]
Final exam: university policy AND department policy require finals to be taken during finals week, not in advance.
Missed classes: you are responsible for everything that takes place in class, including any announced change in exam or other dates
Plagiarism: check the Student Handbook; be sure you know what counts as plagiarism and the penalties.

This page was last changed on Dec. 29, 2005.