This course is designed to introduce you to the study of religion. It will begin by raising the question what is religion: How is it defined? It will attempt to integrate various themes, theoretical approaches to the study of religion, in relationship to various world religious traditions. The goal is for you to become familiar with some of the major prevailing theories about religion produced by various scholars representative of those engaged in the study of religion. In the process you should be able to appreciate the role religion has played in human existence throughout history to the present. The course is a sustained reflection on the nature, role and meaning of religion in the personal, cultural and universal aspects of human life and existence.

Most of the course is an introduction to the major theories of religion, and the major religious traditions of the world, Western and Eastern: Judaism, Christianity, Islam Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism. Primal and indigenous religious traditions such as American Indian traditions, Rastafari, and others will be viewed in the development of the course. Topics such as the Divine/Ultimate Reality, cosmology, evil, suffering, death and the afterlife, ethics, myth, freedom, love, art, mysticism, community, etc. will be integrated into course work and discussion.

Instruction will consist of four basic components: (1) assigned readings, (2) lectures/seminars, (3) class discussions, presentations, exercises, videos, et al, (4) written assignments. Reading assignments are to be completed before the class period for which they are assigned because lectures/seminars, class discussions and other activities will proceed on the assumption that their contents are known. Instructor’s lectures will primarily focus on introducing major themes and concepts of the course, synthesizing of readings, generating and facilitating critical reflection/discussion, and clarifying issues raised by readings rather than summarizing their contents. The course is expected to be highly interactive.

Students must bear in mind that the fundamental method of teaching in the course is that of discussion. Discussion will therefore play an important role in this class. Discussion reminds us of the importance of speech (S) in human existence, community and sustaining the democratic process. Writing (W) reminds us of the importance of the hands in expressing our ideas, grasping, shaping the material world around us, and adapting to our environment. "To write is to transform." Quantitative reasoning (Q) reminds us that the mind is critical to the examination of life and that "a mind is a terrible thing to waste."

Religious Studies is an academic discipline in which the phenomenon of religion in human experience is studied in a non-sectarian, unbiased manner using various kinds of historical-critical, comparative, phenomenological, and interdisciplinary methodologies. Discussion should be conducted in a spirit of honesty, enthusiasm, kindness, civility, critical thought and respect for the worldviews and beliefs of others. This course is not only for learning, but is itself to be a model for how to learn, why to learn, and to love to learn.

The syllabus is intended to be an initial trajectory for the course. Its intention is to lay out a map to plot the direction of the course. You are expected to read the syllabus carefully and diligently prepare yourself for classes through immersion in the readings and other material designed to prepare you for class sessions. By the end of the course it is hoped that each student will be able to formulate a foundational understanding of the meaning and role of religion, foundational understanding of the major theories of religion, the major world religions, and the relationship between religion and contemporary life.

II. REQUIRED TEXTS:

1.  Berger, Peter.  Sacred Canopy:  Elements of a Sociological Theory of Religion.  Anchor Books.  New York/London, et al: Doubleday Books, 1967.

2. Monk, Robert C., et al. Exploring Religious Meaning. Sixth Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2003.

3. Smart, Ninian. Worldviews: Crosscultural Explorations of Human Beliefs. Third Edition. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2000.

4. Smith, Huston. The World’s Religions: Our Great Wisdom Traditions. New York: HarperSanFrancisco, 1991.

5. Books, articles, videos, and other material resources specially related to this course are on reserve at the Roy O. West Library. Students are required to obtain these materials under the reserve policy for class preparation and other use related to the course. Students must bear in mind that all class members have to use the material and should therefore seek to facilitate fellow students’s use. Articles, papers, essays, and other print material are on reserve at the circulation desk of the Roy O. West Library. Videos are on reserve at the Institutional Media (IMS) in the basement of the Roy O. West Library. Please be considerate in your use of material on reserve since it is to be used by all class members in timely fashion.

1. Class Attendance Policies:

Regular attendance and class participation is required. Attendance at every class is expected and necessary to best benefit the act and art of learning through discussion. Absences will be governed according to the University attendance policy (See 2002-2003 DePauw University Student Handbook). University policy requires that advance notification be given only when an absence due to medical reasons will result in the student being unable to fulfill academic responsibilities such as papers and examinations. Notification is to be given by calling the departmental or Instructor’s office.) Irregular attendance will result in the lowering of course grade. Note will be taken of students’s class attendances. You are responsible for active participation in class at all times. Amongst other things constant active participation in class, and other course related activities, is essential to the recognition of your presence and voice in the course. Anyone unwilling to attend classes regularly, prepare for classes and to participate in the life of the class should seriously consider not taking the class.

2. Course Grading:

The course grade will be assigned according to the following formula: Class Participation=20%; Exams=50% [aggregate of exams (mid-term, final, quizzes, et al)]; Class Presentation=15%; Final Paper=15%.

3. Academic Integrity Policy:

Students must scrupulously observe DePauw University policy regarding academic integrity (plagiarism, etc.). This is a serious matter and requires students’s attention and careful consideration. See Student Handbook (2002-2003) on this matter. Students must also bear in mind the academic expectations of the University.

Students must also bear in mind the academic expectations of the University. For further guidance on the issue of cyberplagiarism/plagiarism visit the following website: http://acad.depauw.edu/~reflib/cyberplagiarism.htm.

4. Outside Class Discussions:

Students’ conversations/dialogues/discussions with Instructor beyond the prescribed class times are critical to students’ overall performance in course. Some of these are required in fulfilling course requirements; whereas they are not to be treated as extra tuition they are nevertheless to be treated as part of the Instructor’s pedagogy. Students are strongly advised to meet with the Instructor at the commencement of the semester to discuss the course. In addition students are required to keep set times for conference with Instructor and to be co-operative in working with peers on collaborative projects. A community environment is important to the success of the course.

You are welcome to make an appointment with instructor to discuss any areas of difficulty you might be having understanding aspects of the course.

5. Assignments:

Assignments are identified in the syllabus, others will be announced in class. Assignments are due on dates specified at the beginning of the class period. Late submission of assignments will result in the reduction of seminar grade. Computer and other problems which may arise at time assignments (papers, etc.) are due will not be considered acceptable for late submission of work. You are required to pay attention to and respect dates specified in the syllabus as well as official dates in the DePauw calendar.

6. You are Welcome:

You are always welcome to make an appointment with me to discuss any problems you might be have understanding any part of the course. It is critical that you address such areas in a timely fashion. Enjoy yourself as you learn about and explore new ideas and concepts, revisit and see old ones in new ways in the course of this seminar.

1. Group Presentation:

Students will be divided into groups (5-6 per group). Members of each group will meet to discuss and define possible group project/topic related to the course from which they will create a group presentation to be presented to the class on the date specified in the syllabus. After the group has defined its project it will appoint one or two representative of the group to meet with the Instructor to discuss and have the group project approved/disapproved/revised. A formal group report/text describing the group’s work/project must be submitted at the beginning of the presentation. The deadline for submission/discussion of project with Instructor is April 2, 2003. Presentation must best twenty-five (25) minutes long; followed by period of class discussion on the presentation. You are highly encouraged to use technology in the preparation, production, and dissemination of their group projects. The following criteria will be used in evaluating presentations:

1. Relevance of topic to course
2. Evidence of quality preparation and knowledge of subject
3. Organization and method of presentation
4. Delivery, exposition, and clarity
5. Leading discussion and coordination between presenters
6. Meeting with Instructor to discuss presentation
7. Submission of outline of presentation one week in advance of presentation.
8. Formal group report/document describing and outlining the group’s project. To be submitted at the beginning of the presentation.

Students are encouraged to use the S Center at DePauw in preparation of their Group and other presentations. Other useful resources include the Q (Quantitative Reasoning) Center at DePauw in preparation and enhancing the quality of their work. The Q, S, and W centers are all in proximity to each other on the second floor of Harrison Hall. Presentation dates: (1) April : # 1: 28 (2) April 28: # 2; (3) April 30: # 3; (4) April 30: # 4; (5) May 2: # 5. Dates are also listed in the "schedule of classes" section of this syllabus.

2. Final Research Paper:

Ten (10) pp. (9 pages of text, plus one(1) page of bibliography. Typed, double-spaced, style=Turabian/MLA (or any recognized style) on regular bond paper. One inch (1") margin on left, right, and bottom sides; one-and-a-half inch (1.5") margin on the top side. Paper, including bibliography must be typed in 12pt font size. The bibliography must be one (1) page long. Sources listed in the bibliography must be cited in standard academic format, cited in single space but with space between each citation. Type your name and the assignment due date in the top right hand corner of the first page. Do not use a title page! Pages must be numbered and stapled together! Presentation of work in the finest quality is important!

This research paper must be on any topic related to specific section/topic/aspect of the course. It must have a clear and well-defined focus and clear title (and subtitle). Paper title will be centered, in proper format, in the upper portion of the first page of the paper below name of author, course title, Instructor’s name, date due.

Your engagement with the course material, participation in the course, powers of critical reflection, and respect for your creativity are recognized and respected in requesting that you propose a topic for your final paper. You are required to submit ( in type) a proposed paper title, topic, thesis, and one (1) full page bibliography on your paper to the Instructor by the latest, March 31, 2003. In addition students must follow any other guidelines the Instructor gives. Failure to submit above proposal according to directions given and have proposal approved by Instructor will result in a paper not been accepted from you when papers are due or thereafter. The ATLA Religious Database is a powerful resource for use in this course and the study religion. These databases help you find periodicals and other information sources. In addition the reference librarians are always glad and willing to help you use these and other resources. You are a member of a community of scholars.

See http://www.depauw.edu/library/reference/databases/religiousstudies.htm.

You are advised to start, without delay, listing prospective topics/ideas toward formulating a paper. You are encouraged to take advantage of all available resources at DePauw, including the Academic Resources Center (ARC) in producing your work. Services include the W-Center (Writing), the S-Center (Speech), and the Q-Center (Quantitative Reasoning). The ARC should be contacted at least two (2) weeks in advance to maximize its assistance in producing the final draft of the paper. Students must bear in mind the extent of the ARC’s responsibilities with respect to the writing of papers. DePauw’s Roy O. West Library, Media Center, and other facilities also provide useful help in making this particular class successful. Always plan and book facilities well in advance of time needed. Due Date: April 28, 2003.

3. Class Preparation:

A high degree of inter-action, participation, and discussion is required in this course by all class members. Class preparation is essential to this process. Consequently, all class members are required to prepare for classes according to guidelines outlined in the syllabus. The process will include, amongst other things, doing all required readings. Some of the readings are indicated on the appropriate section on the syllabus. For other readings and directions you are required to click on the appropriate link on the course web page which will take you to the appropriate class preparation file. You will be required to follow instructions given there. Completion of the required instruction implies that you will be empowered to participate In actual class with confidence.

Preparation is essential to your participation in this seminar. Readings are fundamental to this process. Students will be given necessary preparation guidelines at the latest by the end of each class to adequately prepare them for the following class. The course Discuss site is also organized to address the issue of class preparation.

4. Discussion Leaders:

All students must be prepared to fulfil various assigned roles in discussions throughout the seminar as requested and to meet with Instructor for necessary seminar preparation. Assign roles include: group leader, recorder/reporter, redactor, postulator, "devil’s advocate," etc. Fulfillment of such tasks will be taken into consideration in evaluating course participation grade.

5. Expectations for Class Discussion:

Developing good discussion skills is a major goals of this course. These skills are critical to your success during your college career and life. Opportunities will be provided throughout the course for you to develop your discussion skills in small groups and with the whole class. It is impossible to do well in this course without regular participation in the processes of dialogue offered in the class in a meaningful and creative way. Through dialogue you will enter into the important issues that belong to the field of religion and life and understand how responses to these issues were generated. At the same time you will be helping to create the intellectual environment of the class. There is much to be learnt in the process of responsive openness. There are different kinds of contributions you can make to discussion. You are expected to work on these during the semester:

1. Framing and expressing a response to discussion questions given to guide your reading.
2. Presenting an original idea related to the topic under discussion (thinking outside the ball-park).
3. Constructively, and respectfully, critiquing an idea offered in the readings or by a fellow class member, Instructor, or other person.
4. Listening intensely to your fellow class colleagues to build on what has already being said and to develop the process of the discussion.
5. Raising questions that advance or give added texture to the discussion.
6. Drawing on, making connections with material in the wider space of life to support or challenge ideas (data, media, personal experience, etc.).
7. Indicating how comments/ideas advanced in discussion support or contradict each other.
8. Intentionally playing the "devil’s advocate" to call into question or "subvert" key positions advanced by others in discussion.
9. Asking colleagues, instructor, and other to clarify ideas or comments which are unclear.
10. Summarizing main/core ideas that have emerged during discussion.

One can never stop developing one’s discussion skills. In a changing world there are new situations, experience, and encounters with people we are meeting for the first time, as well as with those with whom we are already familiar, that require new approaches to discussion and communication. Attendance at classes will not be considered sufficient for you to do well in terms of participation. You must be active and interactive in the course. Without dominating other class members your voice is to heard.

6. Religion and the Public Space:

News, movies, etc. You will find much evidence of religion in the public realm and in the news. Be observant. You will therefore have the opportunity to critically reflect on the religious phenomena in light of the course and to develop dialog between the classroom study, discussion and contemporary events. The process will also help you define your final papers and group presentations. However, you are warned to examine issues critically. Media reports and website material are not to be accepted uncritically. Religion has the tendency to generate much discussion and reflection because, like politics, it is one of those realms in which human beings try to actualize themselves. Critical study of issues will therefore help to raise consciousness, disclose much, and lead to significant learning.

7. Written Exams:

Unless otherwise instructed exams will be written in blue or black ink.

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES

Week 1: Introduction

1. January 27: Introduction to the Course.

2. January 29: Understanding Religion--Theoretical Foundations and Issues

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Smart. Worldviews. Pp. 1-11.

2. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning--Toward a Definition of Religion. Pp. 1-19.

3. Berger. Sacred Canopy. (Religion and World-Construction), pp. 3-28.

4. Video: What Is Religion? BL 48.W345, 1999. On reserve, IMS.

3. January 31: Understanding Religion--Theoretical Foundations and Issues

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Smart. Worldviews. Pp. 11-32

2. Berger. The Sacred Canopy--Religion and World-Maintenance, Religion and Alienation. Pp. 29-52; 81-101

Week 2:

4. February 3: Primal and New Religious Movements

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Smith. The World’s Religions. Pp. 365-383.

5. February 5: Religious Traditions of the East: Hinduism

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning--Religious Traditions: Eastern. pp. 20-35.

(2) Smith. The World’s Religions. Pp. 82-153.

(3) Video: Religion: A World History-- A Separate Peace: Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism. BL 1032 .S 46, 1998. On reserve, IMS.

6. February 7: Religious Traditions of the East: Buddhism

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning--Religious Traditions:Eastern. pp. 20-35.

(2) Smith. The World’s Religions. Pp. 82-153.

(3) Video: Religion: A World History-- A Separate Peace: Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism. BL 1032 .S 46, 1998. On reserve, IMS.

Week 3:

7. February 10: Religious Traditions: Confucianism and Taoism

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Smith. The World’s Religions. Pp. 154-195; 196-220.

8. February 12: Religious Traditions of the West

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Smart. Worldviews: An Inventory. Pp. 33-54.

2. Monk. Religious Traditions--Western. Pp. 35-51.

9. February 14: Islam

Class Preparation:

Readings:

Smith. The World’s Religions. pp. 221-270.

Week 4:

10. February 17: Judaism

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Smith. The World’s Religions. pp. 271-316.

11. February 19: Christianity

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Smith. The World’s Religions. pp. 317-364.

12. February 21: EXAM ONE

Week 5:

13. February 24: Religious Experience: Moses and Gautama

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 52-53; 54-58.

14. February 26: Religious Experience: Sufi Encounters and Saint Teresa’s Ecstasy

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 58-63.

15. February 28: Religious Experience: Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe and Mahatma Gandhi’s Religious Journey

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 63-66.

Week 6:

16. March 3: Elements of Religious Experience: Symbols and Rituals

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 67; 67-78.

2. Video: Religion: A World History--Holy Days: Christian and Jewish Feasts and Rituals. BV 43 .H 65, 1998. On reserve at IMS.

17. March 5: Elements of Religious Experience: Myth and Religious Insight, Magic: Theory and Practice

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 78-84.

18. March 7: Elements of Religious Experience: Ecstatic Religious Phenomena and Mysticism

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 81-92.

2. Video: Islamic Mysticism: The Sufi Way. BP 189 .I 75, 1997. On reserve

Week 7:

19. March 10: Religion in Artistic Expression: Art as Symbolic Vehicle

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 93- 94; 94-100.

20. March 12: Religion in Artistic Expression: Images of Jesus as Christ in the Early Church

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 100-107.

21. March 14: EXAM TWO

Week 8:

22. March 17: Religion in Artistic Expression: Luminous Wholeness in Western European and Medieval Architecture

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 107-115.

23. March 19: Knowledge, Interpretation and Verification of Religious Knowledge

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 116; 117-126.

24. March 21: General and Special Revelation, Reason and Faith, Authority in Religion

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 126-133.

MARCH 22-30: SPRING RECESS [PAPER PROPOSALS DUE]

Week 9:

25. March 31: Tradition (Meaning and Function), Anatomy of Faith

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 133-139.

26. April 2: Conceiving the Divine: The Holy and the Divine Expressed in Religious Texts

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 140; 141; 141-152.

2. Video: The Koran: The Holy Book of Islam. BP 130.K 67, 1995. On reserve at Roy O. West Library, Institutional Media Center (IMS).

[GROUP PRESENTATION PROJECT PROPOSAL DUE]

27. April 4: Conceptual Expressions of the Divine, Spirit

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 153-159.

Week 10:

28. April 7: Evil: Its Reality and Meaning

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 160-172.

2. Berger. The Sacred Canopy--The Problem of Theodicy. Pp. 53- 80.

29. April 9: Understanding the Self

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 173-187.

2. Berger. The Sacred Canopy--Religion and Alienation. Pp. 81- 101.

30. April 11: Freedom and the Self

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp.188-194.

Week 11:

31. April 14: Sin and Guilt

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 195-202.

32. April 16: Death and the Self

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 203-216.

33. April 18: Salvation and Redemption

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 217-230.

Week 12:

34. April 21: The Religious Matrix of Interpersonal Relations and the Corporate Expressions of Ethical Concerns

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 231-232; 232-242; 243- 267.

2. Berger. The Sacred Canopy--The Process of Secularization. Pp. 107-125.

35. April 23: Religious Traditions and Social Stability

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 268-269; 269-277.

2. Berger. The Sacred Canopy--Secularization and the Problem of Plausibility. Pp. 127-153.

3. Video: Women in Religion. BL 458.W 66, 1990. On reserve at Roy O. West Library, IMS.

36. April 25: Religious Traditions and Social Change

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 278-301.

2. Berger. The Sacred Canopy--Secularization and the Problem of Legitimation. Pp.155-171.

Week 13:

37. April 28: Human Response to the Natural Process, Order and Origins

Class Preparation:

Readings:

1. Monk. Exploring Religious Meaning. Pp. 302-311; 312-330.

Paper Due

38. April 30: Class Presentations: 1, 2

Week 14:

39. May 2: Class Presentations: 3, 4

40. May 5: Class Presentations: 5, 6

41: May 7: Last Day of Classes: Course Review