Objectives

REL 2011 will introduce the basic categories of religious discourse, analysis, and interpretation.  At the conclusion of the course, students should be able to

·  define "religion," however idiosyncratically;
·  recognize the contours of the field of religious studies;
·  identify various methods of approaching religious questions;
·  analyze the constituent elements of religious phenomena;
·  isolate important issues in the study of religion;
·  apply these techniques and insights to religious interpretation.

The course will demand a high level of attention and performance from all students.  For those earning at least a "C", the course satisfies the Gordon Rule and the Philosophy/Religion Analysis requirement of the FIU Core Curriculum.

Format

Computer work is an essential part of the class.  The syllabus, discussion board, assignments, additional reading, quizzes, and grades will all be posted on the course website.  Full and active participation in the online life of the class is required to successfully complete the course.  We are using WebCT.
CLICK HERE to go to the course website.

Classroom work consists of lecture, discussion, small group work, and video presentations.  As much as possible, we will focus on discussion of readings, ideas, and issues, both as a class and in small groups.  A  portion of class time at the end of the semester will be devoted to presentations of group projects.

At the beginning of the course, students will be broken into groups; these groups will work together throughout the semester.  In order to complete the required course project, groups will need to arrange to meet several times outside of class.
 
 

Assignments--General Information

·  Students are expected to do extensive reading, and to be prepared to discuss the readings in class.

·  On the day each set of readings is to be completed, each student must hand in typed reflections on the readings due that day.  These may vary from a few paragraphs to a couple of pages, depending on how the readings grabbed you.  They should reflect (1) what you found interesting in the readings and/or ideas or musings of a personal nature that the readings inspired; (2) the fact that you have actually read all the assigned material; (3) interrelationships with other readings and course material.  The quality and timeliness of reflections will affect final grades.  All must be handed in.

·  A semester project will be completed in groups assigned by the instructor.  Groups will work on the project throughout the semester, make an oral presentation to the class near the end of the course, and submit a substantial paper describing their work.

·  Short written assignments are due as shown on the syllabus.

Texts

· James Livingston, Anatomy of the Sacred
· Ninian Smart, Worldviews: Crosscultural Explorations of Human Beliefs