Rel 376 C1 – CORE. Spring, 2011
Professor: Michael H. Barnes, Ph.D.
Office: Jesse Phillips Humanities Building., room 347. Phone: home: 223-3300
barnes@udayton.edu
Office hours: any time by
prearrangement; make an appointment by email.
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 more "closed" and the more "open"
(also called "inward" vs. "outward" or exclusive vs.inclusive). The closed type of
theology tends to
reject secular (non-religious) standards, including scientific rationalism; the
open type seeks to interact more positively with cultural forces.
The course will examine a good number of challenges and both closed and
open theological
responses.
Course Outline. In 3 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, Wed. Feb 9. Worth 60 points max.
2. An analysis of various interpretations of religion --
anthropological, sociological, and psychological described in Pals'
book, Eight Theories of Religion, along with handouts with
selections from the theorists in Pals or on additional sources such as
sociobiology. This will be followed by Exam #2 on
3. A review of some positive theological responses to various
social science theories about religion, including liberation theologies.
An analysis of Terrence W. Tilley's book
representing a certain theological style of response to
atheism or skepticism.
Followed by Final Exam (#3), on Mon.
May 2, worth 100 points max.
Reports: On the first day of class each
person will select (or be assigned) 2 sets of readings on which the
person will report at the beginning of each class. Each of the 2
reports will be worth up to 10 points. Each report should not be
more than 10 minutes long (6 to 7 minutes is fine), leaving another five
minutes for questions, after which there will be further discussion.
Each report should 1) articulate the perspective in the readings on a
major thesis or theme, and 2) make some critical or analytical comment
on it.
Texts: 1) Daniel L. Pals, Eight Theories
of Religion (Oxford, 2005), and 2) Terrence W. Tilley, Faith:
What It Is and What It Is Not (Orbis Books, 2010). There will be a significant number
of handouts also, including excerpts from primary sources.
Grade standards: 93%=A, 92-90% A- 87%=B+
83-86=B, etc. (D=60-69).
Class participation, if relevant to the materials, can count in your
favor up to 20 points.
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 to make
begin arrangements for a make-up exam. [I rarely get messages on
time on my office phone.]
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
Jan. 12, 2011.