Trinity Western University
RELS 271
Western World Religions
Summer 2016
August 1-October 6
Instructor: J. L. Pepper, Ph.D.
Contact Information: ; Phone: Local 3127; Office: Seal Kap South Wing
Office Hours: Mondays 11:30-12:30 p.m.; Wednesdays 11:30-12:30 p.m. or by appointment
Co-requisites or Pre-requisites: none
Semester Hours: 3
Course Description:
An analytical and critical study of the phenomena, the conceptual patterns, and the sacred texts of some of the major Western religions. Each religion is studied as a total perspective for life, which is embodied in interpersonal and communal life, in cult, and in ideology.
This course provides a general introduction to the study of world religions as well as an historical and structural survey of Judaism, Islam, Christianity and new religions in the West.
The subject matter is approached from an emic anthropological standpoint—that is, the history, belief and practice of each religious group will be examined in detail, as if the student was living within that religious context.
Class time will be devoted to lectures, videos and discussion.
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Knowledge and its application• a depth of understanding in any chosen field(s) of study.
• applied knowledge acquired through discipline-appropriate experiential learning. / 1. By the end of this course, students will have gained
• Knowledge of the history and teachings of the main religions of the western world.
• An appreciation for the piety and way of life of the main religions of the western world.
2. Cognitive complexity
• skills including: critical and creative thinking, quantitative reasoning, communication, research, and information literacy.
• an ability to articulate various interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary perspectives, integrating informed Christian perspectives. / 2. By the end of this course, students will have gained
• skills including: the ability to analyze carefully, think critically, and engage in thoughtful and respectful inter-religious dialogue.
• A broad knowledge of the interdisciplinary means of studying world faiths, and, in particular, of anthropological methodology in socio-religious investigation e.g. examination of linguistic, literary, historical, and theological dimensions of culture.
3. Aesthetic expression and interpretation
• creative, performative, material and narrative forms of critical inquiry.
• collaborative and community-based interdisciplinary practices / 3. By the end of this course, students will have gained
• an understanding and appreciation of the importance of human community in seeking to address ultimate questions in philosophy and religion.
4. Spiritual Formation
• a spiritual dimension by means of an exposure to a reflective and caring Christ-centered community which encourages:
• a further understanding of God.
• a discovery of a deep and personal spiritual foundation.
• an embodiment of a Christ-like way of life characterized by love for and service to others. / 4. By the end of this course, students will have gained
•recognition of the spiritual dimensions of major world religions and their capacity to shape the lives of adherents in terms of belief, behaviour, and life vocation.
• an awareness of the significance and difficulties of making Christianity understandable and relevant to diverse people groups of the world without losing its fundamental dynamic.
5. Social Responsibility and Global Engagement
• a commitment to informed and ethical reasoning.
• respect for the dignity and rights of all persons.
• respect for creation and its sustainable use and care. / 5. By the end of this course, students will have gained
• an understanding of the nature and role of religious thought and ritual as central constructs in defining global cultures.
• a recognition that theological and ethical dimensions of religion differ between world faiths, and thus variously affect expressions of human dignity, human rights, and creation care.
6. Leadership
• abilities and attitudes characterized by service, humility and integrity. / 6. By the end of this course, students will have gained
•a sense of respect for global peoples and cultures, and an appreciation for the need to demonstrate humility in interfaith and intercultural dialogue.
• an understanding of issues and problems that leaders must deal with in any form of intercultural interaction, especially where deep-seated loyalties of customs and cultures are broached.
Required Texts and Materials:
Text:
Molloy, Michael. Experiencing the World’s Religions: Tradition, Challenge, and
Change. McGraw-Hill. Any edition from the Fifth Edition (2008) onward will be
permissible for class use.
Recommended Reading:
Ninian Smart and Richard D. Hecht, eds. Sacred Texts of the World: A Universal
Anthology. New York: Crossroad, 1993.
Course Activities/Requirements:
All of the following must be completed in order to pass the course.
1. Western Religions Portfolio/File: 20%
Compile a hard-copy portfolio/file of (in total, at least 10) news reports, general interest articles, pictures, advertisements, editorials etc. from various newspapers, magazines or internet websites demonstrating the influence which Western religious groups hold in global society. Focus particularly on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—although articles concerning any of the groups listed under assignment 3a (bottom of page three) are also acceptable. These items must be published or posted during 2016, only.
Along with hardcopies of the published items (either originals or photocopies), submit a 2-3 page double-spaced typewritten summary of key points which the articles raise concerning topics such as: religious rights, religious dialogue, religious change, religion and culture, religion and politics, or religion and health. (Obviously, most articles will address only one—or perhaps two—of these topics. Group two or three articles together if they discuss similar topics).
Bring a hard copy of your portfolio and summary paper to class on August 26.
2. Class Content Exam: 35%
Based on lectures, videos and any in-class readings given during classroom contact days. The exam will be composed of both objective and subjective questions. August 31.
3. Term Paper: 35% Due on or before Thursday, October 6.
Choose one of the following options, either a, b, c, d or e, as listed below:
Write a research paper of 8 typewritten pages minimum—to 10 pages maximum. Use appropriate headings and/or subheadings within the text of the paper. Footnote, internal note, or end note where appropriate [choose any one style and stay consistent].
Materials for research ought to include 8-10 sources minimally, of which no more than four websites may be from the internet. (Peer reviewed e-journals, or e-books do not count as internet sites). Seek other hard-copy book, journal, or human sources to fully engage your work.
Do not plagiarize. Do not submit a paper previously written for another class.
a. Describe in detail a Western World Religion or a ‘New’ Religious Group now developing in the West and influenced by Western philosophies or cultural values.
There will not be time to address the beliefs and backgrounds of all western religions in class. Therefore, any of the following is an acceptable choice for your term paper topic (or confer with the instructor in choosing another topic not listed):
Baha’ism Goths
Celtic Religion Christian Science
Kabalism Norse Religion
Rastafarianism Rosacrusianism
Sufism Solar Temple
Swedenborgianism Scientology
Raelianism Wicca
Masonic Lodge Mormonism
Jehovah’s Witnesses Zoroastrianism
i. Investigate and examine from an emic point of view the main facets of the history,
belief, and practice of a specific religious group. (3 x 9 = 27%)
ii. Discuss implications raised by your study for Christian/Non-Christian dialogue and
interfaith encounter. Where can you establish points of commonality, and where are
there points of contrast with the religion under study? (8%)
b. Complete an inductive study in Sacred Texts:
Read either the Qur’an, the Avestas, the Book of Mormon, or (part of) the Talmud, noting references which pertain to one of the following topics: (a) the Creator and the created; (b) the necessity and conditions of salvation; (c) Jesus’ life and works; (c) the rights and responsibilities of women; (e) the exercise of justice; (f) attitudes and actions of devout believers and of deity toward unbelievers; (g) final rewards and judgements after death.
Elaborate on your findings from the original document (15%). Compare and contrast these views with those of the Bible (15%). Discuss implications raised by your study for Christian/Non-Christian dialogue and interfaith encounter. (5%)
c. Compare and Contrast “Old World” and “New World” faith and practice:
Select any major branch of Judaism or Islam; or (study as a whole) Baha’ism, Zoroastrianism, Catholicism, or Eastern Orthodoxy.
Research and report on the history and on-going life of that faith community in North America. How has the religious movement grown/shrunk, fragmented/solidified, changed/modified its’ beliefs and practices from its “first culture” roots as a result of its presence in North America? (15%)
What major hurdles hinder the religious group from attaining wider acceptance and adherence in the West? Conversely, what factors support the further growth of the religion in the West? (15%)
Based on your research, what are your predictions for the welfare of this religious group in North America in the near future (next 25 years)? (5%)
d. Religious Mysticism:
Investigate the history and the unique beliefs and practices of mysticism in one of the following: Judaism (Kabbalism); Islam (Sufism); Zoroastrianism (Soma groups); Catholicism; Eastern Orthodoxy; or Charismatic Christianity. (20%)
How and why does mysticism occur in religion in general? (5%) Specifically, how does mysticism function in the group you’ve chosen to research? (5%) How does emphasis on this path of spirituality reorder an individual’s relationship to his/her larger religious framework? What apparent benefits and drawbacks seem to be attached to a life devoted to mysticism? (5%)
e. Conservative and Radical Religion:
Compare and contrast the history, belief and practices of either conservative and radical Judaism or conservative and radical Islam. (15%)
What motivates elements within more radical sects to act in violence? How is violence (or even terrorism) explained as part of religious zeal? (10%)
What views do conservative, religiously mainstream [even nominal] Jews or Muslims hold towards their radical counterparts? (5%)
Based on your research, what is your prediction for future relationships between conservative and radical groups in Judaism or Islam? Will the gap widen or close? Why? (5%)
4. Class Participation: 10%
Based upon consistent, on-time attendance and thoughtful contributions to class discussions.
Course Evaluation:
Portfolio 20%
Research and Term Paper 35%
Class Content Exam 35%
Class Participation 10%
100%
Course Policies:
Class Attendance and Class Comportment
It is the responsibility of the student to attend all class sessions of courses for which s/he is
registered. A student may be barred from writing the final examination, if the student has
been absent without permission or legitimate cause for more than one-quarter of the
course. (TWU academic calendar)
Cell phones should be turned off during class. Laptop computers may not be used while
class is in session unless permission is obtained from the instructor in advance.
No food is allowed in class. However, water or coffee/tea/hot chocolate/soft drinks in
closed-top cups or bottles are permitted.
In consideration of others, a scent-free classroom is appreciated.
Late Submission of Evaluated Work
Late assignments will be penalized one percent of the assignment’s total mark, per
weekday. No late papers will be accepted after one week past the due date. Late papers
will be returned with a grade, but without written comments.
Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism at TWU
One of the core values of Trinity Western University is the integration of academic excellence with high standards of personal, moral, and spiritual integrity. The University considers it a serious offence when an individual attempts to gain unearned academic credit. It is the student’s responsibility to be informed about what constitutes academic dishonesty. For details on this, and on identifying and avoiding plagiarism go to the University Homepage > Academics > Academic Calendar > Academic Information > Academic Policies > Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.
Campus Closure and Class Cancellation Policy
In the event of extreme weather conditions or other emergency situations go to the University Homepage > Campus Notification (in the page footer) > Class cancellation policy.
University Standard Grading System
The Standard Grading System can be found at the University Homepage > Academics > Academic Calendar > Academic Information > Grading Practices University Homepage > Academics > Academic Calendar > Academic Information > Grading Practices.
[NOTE: If your department or course deviates from the standard, include that grading system here, and change the title of this section to Course Grading System.]
Students with a Disability
Students with a disability who need assistance are encouraged to contact the Equity of Access Office upon admission to TWU to discuss their specific needs. All disabilities must be recently documented by an appropriately certified professional and include the educational impact of the disability along with recommended accommodations. Within the first two weeks of the semester, students must meet with their professors to agree on accommodations appropriate to each class. Students should follow the steps detailed by the Equity of Access Office outlined in the Student Life section of the University Calendar.
Course Outline:
I. Introduction to World Religions & Religious Universals
II. Religions East and West
III. Judaism
IV. Islam
V. Christianity
VI. Summary and Conclusions
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