Syllabus

Living Religions of the World

Theology 359

Fall 2001

This course is designed to acquaint students with the rich tapestry of human religious experience and to expose them to interpretive tools that can help them to intelligently and empathetically encounter that experience. Emphasis will be placed on the diversity of religion expressions within the United States today.

Required texts:

Fisher, Mary Pat. Living Religions. 4th. ed. Prentis Hall Publishers.

Fisher, Mary Pat. Anthology of Living Religions. Prentis Hall Publishers

Neusner, Jacob, ed. Ethics of Family Life. Wadsworth Publishers.

Neusner, Jacob, ed. The Life of Virtue. Wadsworth Publishers.

Neusner, Jacob, ed. Making an Honest Living. Wadsworth Publishers.

Various handouts, videos

Requirements:

1) Regular attendance and participation in class [absences must be cleared with instructor].

3) Successful completion of tHree [3-4 page] reflection/research papers. Each student must compose at least one research paper on some aspect of the topic they choose for their presentation. They must also complete one personal essay based on an onsite visit done this semester to a worship service or guided experience of one of the traditions we will cover during the course. These papers may use the MLA parenthetical citation method. The third paper can be either a report of a visit or a focused paper on some aspect of a tradition the class is presently studying. If needed, one of these papers will be rewritten.

Assessment of papers:

Papers will be assessed according to the following criteria. An excellent paper should exhibit: a clear thesis persuasively developed, logical organization, good grammar, syntax and style, a superior grasp of content, a critical use of sources, and correct documentation, originality of thought. An above average paper should show: a clear thesis well developed, strong organization, above average grammar, syntax and style, an informed grasp of content and use of sources, correct documentation. An average paper should show: a developed thesis, good organization, average grammar, syntax and style, a good sense of content and use of sources, correct documentation. The below average paper would show: inadequate thesis and development of argument, poor written expression, lack of organization, poor grasp of content, poor documentation. An unacceptable paper would show: no thesis, lack of organization, substandard writing, lack of documentation, plagiarism.

Assessment of Presentations:

The material covered in the presentations should not only duplicate the lectures or content of the readings but should expand the class’ knowledge of the tradition beyond these sources.

An excellent presentation should exhibit: excellent public speaking skills, strong organization, originality of thought and execution, clarity of organization, excellent research. An above average presentation would exhibit: good public speaking skills, good organization, careful thought and execution, good organization, sound research. An average presentation would exhibit: Average public speaking skills, average organization, consideration and adequate execution, evidence of research. A below average presentation would exhibit: poor speaking skills, poor organization, lack of thought, sloppy execution, little organization, lack of evidence of research. An unacceptable presentation would exhibit: poor speaking skills, lack of organization, lack of preparation, substandard execution, and plagiarism.

Grades will be determined in the following manner:

30% papers

30% exams

20% presentations

20% participation and attendance

CLASS SCHEDULE:

August 28 Introduction: Religion in America

Read: Fisher, 1

August 30 Indigenous Traditions

Read: Fisher 2

September 4 Indigenous Traditions

Read: Selections from Anthology, 2

September 6 Hinduism

Read: Fisher 3

September 11 Hinduism

Read: Smith chapters in Neusner books.

September 13 Hinduism/Jain tradition

Read: Selections from Anthology, 3; Fisher, 4

September 18 Presentation

FIRST PAPER DUE

September 20 EXAM

September 25 Buddhism

Read: Fisher 5

September 27 Buddhism

Read: Selections from Anthology, 5

October 2 Buddhism

Read:; Hallisey and Clough chapter in Neusner books

October 4: Buddhism

October 9 Presentation

October 11 EXAM

FALL BREAK

October 23 Shinto/ Chinese Traditions

Read: Fisher, 6 and 7; selections from Anthology, 6

October 25 Chinese Traditions

Read: selections from Anthology, 7

October 30 Presentation

SECOND PAPER DUE

November 1 Judaism

Read: Fisher, 8

November 6 Judaism

Read: Neusner chapters in Neusner

November 8 Judaism

Read: Selections from Anthology, 8

November 13 Presentation

November 15 EXAM

November 20 Islam

Read: Fisher, 10

November 22 THANKSGIVING BREAK

November 27 Islam

Read: Sonn chapters in Neusner; Fisher, 11

December 4 Presentation