Rel 376 C1 – CORE. Winter, 2007
Professor: Michael H. Barnes, Ph.D.
Office: Jesse Phillips Humanities Building., room 347. Phone: 229-2034
(home: 223-3300)
barnes@udayton.edu
Usual Office hours: MWF: 10:00 to 10:30; 1:00 to 2:00 TTh 11:00 to
3:00,
Other times by
prearrangement. In any case make an appointment by email.
Classes: MWF 11:00 -- 1:00, 4:30 -- 5:45
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. Jan 31. 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, and Eliade,
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 Wed., Feb 28. 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 Final Exam (#3), on April 30, worth 100 points max.
6. A brief research paper (see below). A bibliography is due Mon. Feb 5,
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 by Wed., April 4. This is worth another possible 80 points.
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.
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 bibliography is due Feb 5; the first draft will be due
Mon. April 2. Each
student will hand in two copies, one for the teacher and one to be
critiqued by another student. On Wed, April
11, they will be discussed. The final version will be due on April
17. Each student will also give
a 5 minute presentation in an interesting format to the rest of the
class on Monday, April 23.
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 March 14, 2007.