RELG E110: Introduction
to Religious Studies
Introduction to Religious Studies
The discipline of Religious Studies involves the study of religion as a phenomenon, as opposed to the indoctrination into a specific religion. Students will be introduced to several methods conducive to the study of religion (reading texts, viewing films, listening to music, etc.) as well as several vantage points from which to consider religion (anthropology, sociology, history, literature, psychology, etc.) Because the nature of the course is comparative, students will spend some time studying the formative, classical, and modern eras of each of the following traditions: primal religion, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Unfortunately, because of the breadth of the material covered, depth must be sacrificed; nonetheless, students should expect to come away from this course with:
- an appreciation of the diversity of religious expression from recorded history to the modern era (although time limits will prohibit a detailed exploration of any one tradition),
- an understanding of different methods which have been applied towards an objective analysis of the phenomenon of religion, and
- a familiarity with the vocabulary of religious studies, and of the various religious traditions studied.
Required text:
World Religions Today, Esposito, et al., 2nd Ed., 2006
Course Requirements:
1. Attendance
Attendance will be taken daily in keeping with the University’s attendance policy ("absence from more than 10 percent of the scheduled class sessions, whether excused or unexcused, is excessive and the instructor may choose to exact a grade penalty for such absences.") Any absences beyond the fourth occurrence will result in the loss of one grade level, i.e. an "A" will be lowered to a "B+"
2. Preparation
The preparation for most classes will consist of an assigned reading, typically from the textbook, although some additional readings will periodically be assigned from handouts or other material. Students should schedule enough time to read assigned material (once is required, twice is recommended) before class, noting that this material is often challenging and will therefore require more time to read than may be expected. It is strongly recommended that students not fall behind on reading assignments!
Additionally, specific study assignments will be made during class: vocabulary words, relevant names and dates, etc.
3. Courtesy:
PLEASE:
- Turn off cell phones and other noise-makers
- Raise your hand to be recognized before speaking
- Respect the beliefs and opinions of others
4. Grading
(40 points) = 10 "pop" quizzes on reading assignments, vocabulary words, and other assignments; each pop quiz is worth 4 points
(30 points) = 2 Mid-term exams; each mid-term exam is worth 15 points.
(30 points) = Final exam
Quizzes and exams will cover material presented in reading assignments and lectures; again, it is recommended that students not only attend class, but also arrive prepared. Most questions on quizzes and exams will be in the form of true/false, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, matching, and short answers; an occasional essay question may appear.
An optional extra credit assignment will be offered.
The Academic Integrity policy will be strictly enforced.
Grading scale: 90-100=A; 87-89=B+; 80-86=B; 77-79=C+; 70-76=C; 67-69=D+; 60-66=D; 0-59=F.
Class Schedule
| 1 |
|
Syllabus Review; Class Requirements |
| 2 |
Read Esposito: Introduction |
Introduction to Religious Studies |
| 3 |
Read Esposito: Primal Religion |
Origin of Religion; Aboriginal Religion |
| 4 |
|
Film: Judaism |
| 5 |
Read Esposito: Judaism |
Judaism |
| 6 |
|
Judaism |
| 7 |
|
Judaism |
| 8 |
|
MID-TERM EXAM #1
(Primal religion & Judaism) |
| 9 |
|
Film: Christianity |
| 10 |
Read Esposito: Christianity |
Christianity |
| 11 |
|
Christianity |
| 12 |
|
Christianity |
| 13 |
|
Film: Islam |
| 14 |
Read Esposito: Islam |
Islam |
| 15 |
|
Islam |
| 16 |
|
Islam |
| 17 |
|
MID-TERM EXAM #2
(Christianity and Islam) |
| 18 |
|
Film: Hinduism |
| 19 |
Read Esposito: Hinduism |
Hinduism |
| 20 |
|
Hinduism |
| 21 |
|
Hinduism |
| 22 |
|
Film: Buddhism |
| 23 |
Read Esposito: Buddhism |
Buddhism |
| 24 |
|
Buddhism |
| 25 |
|
Buddhism |
| 26 |
|
Skepticism and other alternatives |
| 27 |
|
Review for final exam |
| 28 |
|
reading day |
| |
|
FINAL EXAM |
|