Religious Studies 100 - Honors
Indian, Tamil Nadu, Androgynous
Form of Shiva and Parvati (Ardhanarishvara)
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DescriptionThis course introduces students to religious dimensions and worldviews by comparing concepts, texts and experiences of diverse religious traditions. It is an attempt to describe, interpret, and explore the nature of religion using a global perspective. We will explore concepts that are considered to refer to the source of religious belief. Although no single religious tradition will be treated comprehensively, we will study materials from various traditions to illustrate important thematic issues in religious experiences of what might be called sacred reality. We will work to gain an appreciation of the nature and variety of religious experiences and its roots in understandings of Ultimate Reality/ the Sacred/ the Holy. Further, the course will situate religious experience in the context of human cultural, economic, and historical reality. We will gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from primary and secondary sources such as sacred texts and commentaries, ritual instructions, ethical imperatives, social-cultural practices, imaginative literature, art and architecture. We will explore ways to access and understand these sources, some of which may seem impenetrable or perplexing. Much of our focus will be on close analysis of texts, and how to discover, develop, and support ideas about issues that those texts raise. Students are invited to investigate differing expressions of human beliefs and religious experiences. A first step in this investigation is to heighten awareness of diverse responses to the human quest for what is believed as 'the Absolute/the Holy/Ultimate Reality. Through classroom and outside activities and various writing assignments, students will 'dialogue' with some of these diverse cross-cultural sacred expressions. Expect possible challenges to preconceptions! Successful learning requires sensitivity, and the willingness to be open to 'listen' and to approach with empathy concepts that might be unusual and unfamiliar. Finally, it requires the ability to question and to rethink notions of sacred dimensions in human life.
Objectives
·To acquire critical knowledge of dimensions of “the Absolute/the Sacred/Ultimate Reality' · To consciously recognize, and analyze the idea of the Sacred/Ultimate Reality as focus of diverse religious traditions under a cross-cultural global perspective · To gain understanding of the phenomenon of religion by comparing and contrasting different dimensions of the Sacred/Ultimate Reality utilizing examples from the seemingly endless variety of aspects including visualization, sacred writings and commentaries, philosophical conception, holy sounds, rituals, symbols and practices · To recognize religious expressions as concepts 'responding' to fundamental questions in human existence, questions, which include experiences like death and suffering, awe and wonder · To gain a notion of the role of religion in the context of historical as well as modern societies · To assimilate conventions of academic inquiry, research, and writing by interpreting sacred texts, commentaries, and artistic expressions · To develop empathy coupled with informed critical consideration of religious contexts as a means to respond to a rapidly emerging global consciousness
Course
Materials
Written
Assignments
Once a week we will meet in a computer-lab to write analytical responses to the readings. Assignments will provide you with ideas and instructions to explore specific topics. The goal of these assignments is threefold: a) to acquire knowledge about unfamiliar religious ideas, concepts, expressions, and experiences b) to apply this knowledge, analyzing sacred texts according to the questions in the assignment c) to prepare yourself for the reasearch paper Overall the grading criteria for the exams will
particularly focus on clarity, creativity, and depth of presentation
in your interpretation of religious phenomena.
Field Work
In addition, you will be required to visit a religious site or appropriate museum, examine the ritual context, and give an oral presentation on the topic. Plan to spend some time in a library, and submit abstracts for your resources used to prepare the presentation. Click here for a guide how to write descriptive abstracts. Please use the internet sparingly, especially with regard to religion studies, only very few Websites offer academic resources. Your documented research will be taken into account for the grade given for this assignment. Therefore, do not forget to provide the abstracts with your oral presentation.
Term Paper Another important project in this course will be your term paper. This will include your own research, critical assessment, and reflections on a given sacred text. The paper should include your own independent research, in which you need to interpret a section of a sacred text or historical source (primary text). The primary source must be chosen from the sacred texts referred to in the textbook or in the online exercises (see here ). In order to perform your research, you should at least include four secondary bibliographical sources. Please consult library resources and the research guide to acquire non-Internet sources for this task. You need to plan ahead to spend some time in a library. A worksheet will also guide you in your preparation for the term paper. The grading criteria will especially focus on the clarity of academic writing as well as the depth of your interpretation of the primary source. Please never hesitate to consult me regarding any questions, concerns, or problems during your research. Note: I do not accept late papers! This class follows the “ Academic Honesty Philosophy Statement ” of the College of DuPage. All assignments and the term paper must be your own work. Proven plagiarism will earn you an F for the class. I will not grade any essays that do not include bibliographic references. Check the following Website if you need information regarding MLA style citations. Please think about your choices seriously and mark, what you find as a source, your teacher can detect as well! I check frequently for violations. Again, proven plagiarism will earn you an F for the
Grading
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