Rel 376 C1 – CORE. Winter,2006
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 6 major parts.
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, Due Jan 27. Worth 70 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, due on March 8. 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, due on April 14, worth 70 points max.
6. A research paper (see below). First draft due April 7 for critique;
Final draft due as the Final Exam. This is worth 20 points for a
decent first draft, plus another possible 80 points for the final paper.
Texts: 1) Daniel L. Pals, Eight 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.
Once each week you will hand in a 4 x 6 card with brief answers
to the questions posed in relation to each of the readings (see the
January schedule on the back side of this sheet for examples.) These
will be graded as acceptable or not. Of the possible 14 answer cards,
3 can be left undone or be unacceptable. 11 “acceptable” cards will
earn 55 points (5 x 11 + 5 free points), for a maximum of 60 points.
Research paper:
This is an 8-10 page paper. The first draft will be due April 12. 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 10 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 call 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 Nov 17, 2005.