JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
Religions of the World
Spring 2015
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 12:20 – 1:10, Moody Hall 109
Edward Perry Neel, Adjunct Instructor
Cleveland 320 Office Hours Tuesday & Thursday 9:30-10:30, and by appointment.
[email protected]
skeptichume.weebly.com
GREL 101. Religions of the World.
3 credits.
An investigation of the world's major religions which will give attention to their origin, history, mythology and doctrines.
This class will consider each of the major religious traditions as an independent phenomenon. The relationships of the various traditions will be emphasized, especially the origin of Buddhism from Hinduism, Christianity from Judaism, and Islam from both Judaism and Christianity. Particular focus will be given to the scriptures of each tradition and the Western evolution of monotheism. Students are also encouraged to present opportunities for classmates to attend and observe religious meetings and services both on campus and in the local community.
1. The student will become familiar with the history, doctrines, and practices of the various traditions.
2. The student will develop and understand of important theological and doctrinal issues.
3. The student will be able to make comparisons and contrast among the world’s religious traditions.
4. The student will gain a better appreciation and understanding the varieties of religions in today’s religiously plural world.
Texts: HINDUISM, Kim Knott; BUDDHISM, Damien Keown; JUDAISM, Norman Solomon; CHRISTIANITY, Linda Woodhead; ISLAM, Malise Ruthven;THE EVOLUTION OF GOD, Robert Wright. Also, the BBC World Religions website (http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/)..
Attendance is expected. I do not distinguish excused and unexcused absences. I do not take attendance, so it is your responsibility to come to class. No late tests. ABSOLUTELY NO CELL PHONES, FOOD, OR GUM. No laptops. If you have an e-reader, please let me know. If you text in class, you will be dismissed for the remainder of the class. (“I don’t have pet peeves, I have deep psychological hatreds.” George Carlin)
Class Preparation: Read each assignment in preparation for class discussion. “The Gospel According to Prum” is available on my website. For each religion there is an Oxford Very Short Introduction series book. Also the BBC Religions section (link is in syllabus and on the website). . We will cover the EVOLUTION OF GOD by the designated sections for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Schedule
Week of Jan. 12: M- Introduction to the study of religion W- continued F- “The Gospel According to Prum”
Jan. 19: M- Holiday W- more intro. F- continued
Jan. 23: M- Hinduism W- Hinduism F- Hinduism
Feb. 2: M- Hinduism W- Hinduism F- Test on Hinduism
Feb. 9: M- Buddhism W- Buddhism F- Buddhism
Feb. 16: M- Buddhism W- Buddhism F- Test on Buddhism
Feb. 23: M- Judaism W- Judaism F- Judaism
Mar. 2: M- Judaism W- Judaism F- Judaism
Mar. 16: M- Judaism W- Judaism F- Test on Judaism
Mar. 23: M- Christianity W- Christianity F- Christianity
Mar. 30 M-Christianity W- Christianity F- Christianity
Ap. 6: M- Christianity W- Christianity F- Test on Christianity
Ap. 13: Islam w- Islam F- Islam
Ap. 20: M- Islam W- Islam F- Islam
Ap.27: M- Islam W- Test on Islam (Papers Due)
Assignments: Essay
1. a. Field Trip. The student may visit a worship service of a major religious tradition that is new and different to the student. The student is expected to make his/her own arrangements for this visit, but may discuss the selection with the professor prior to attending.
or: b. Interview. You may interview a member of a major religious tradition that is new and different to the student. It is the student’s responsibility to find the subject for this interview.
Either assignment must have a research component. Your research must be done prior to the field trip or interview. Your interview questions or your field trip observations must be correlated to academic research and your sources used in your paper. The paper should be written in a standard academic essay format. If you do an interview, you must incorporate quotations from your subject. At least three academic sources must be used in addition to course readings (you may use the assigned readings from the text, but the three sources must be different and in addition to the course readings). Please review your research sources with me before doing your field trip or interview. Appropriate quotations, reference citations, and bibliography required. Three pages minimum. General writing guidelines can be found on my website. 100 points.
2. Five objective multiple choice quizzes. Lowest score will be dropped. 400 points.
3. Final Exam: Essay. Assignment will be explained before the end of the semester. 100 points.
Total 600
A 90+% B 80+% C 70+% D65+%
No late tests or assignments. If you have to be away on official JMU activities, arrangements can be made, but only with advance notice.
Contact Information
Dr. Perry Neel
[email protected]
540-324-6523
Honor Code: This class adheres to the Honor Code and policies of this University.
Add/Drop: In accordance with the dates posted by the University Registrar
Weather: Class is canceled if the University is closed, or if I email you otherwise.
Accommodation can be made for the observance of religious holidays. Please contact the instructor prior to the holidays so that arrangements can be made.
"'So Merlyn sent you to me' said the badger, 'To finish your education. Well, I can only teach you two things. To dig, and love your home. These are the true end of philosophy.'" The Badger from "The Sword in the Stone," THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING, T.H. White.