WORLD RELIGIONS Spring 201x

Transcription

1 WORLD RELIGIONS Spring 201x Philosophy 210 Section 1001 Prof. Kenneth G. Lucey Tue. & Thur. 1:00-2:15 WRB D (784- Cain Hall 4308) Office Hours: Tue., Wed. & Thur., 11:30-12:30 & by appointment or drop in. COURSE OBJECTIVES This course is designed for the specific purpose of introducing the student to key features of the major world religions, and thereby allow student to demonstrate an awareness of the diversity of world cultures by an understanding of their religious beliefs and practices. This is done by describing the beliefs, rituals and histories of these religions, with a focus upon religious practices & their impact upon societal values, concerning race, ethnicity, gender and social class. The religions of the world are very diverse in a number of ways. For example, they differ in their core beliefs. Some are henotheistic (Judaism), others dualistic (Zoroastrianism), others monotheistic (Christianity & Islam), and still others atheistic (forms of Buddhism). Religions are also diverse in their ethics, such as Confucianism s Silver Rule, Judaism s Ten Commandments, Christianity s Golden Rule, & Buddhism s Eight Step Path. Religions also differ widely in their treatment of gender and social class, a specific example of which is Hinduism class system, the patriarchal organization of various religion s leadership, and Islam s policies toward polygamy. The second purpose of the course is to explore the philosophical background of these religions. This in the sense of examining the philosophical presuppositions that they each make about the nature of human beings, and their relationships to the world and gods or God, and the quite distinct concepts of God that different religions contain. The metaphysical/ontological presuppositions of religions differ widely from one another as do their account of the mind/body relationship exhibited by humanity, as well as very different conceptions of an afterlife. Sheol, heaven, hell, purgatory, reincarnation, etc. are all as diverse in their conceptions as they are in their supporting beliefs and arguments. CLASS ORGANIZATION Every meeting of the class will begin with a lecture about the religion under discussion, and the approach will be mostly descriptive and only critical to the extent of trying to get clear about the key concepts involved. It is not any purpose of this course to try to say whether any of these religions are true, although students are encouraged to develop and defend their own beliefs about these issues. Where appropriate, lectures will be supplemented with videos exhibiting key rites of a religion (such as previously secret Taoist rituals). The hope and intent is that every class meeting will provide an opportunity for questions concerning the material that is presented in lecture and in the reading assignments. 1

2 SILVER CORE CURRICULUM This course satisfied Core Objective 10 [CO10] ( Diversity and Equity ) and Core Objective 11 [CO11] ( Global Contexts ). Brief description of CO10: Students will demonstrate an understanding of diversity through courses that focus on topics such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, physical ability, language, and/or social class with an emphasis on the analysis of equity. Students will apply and evaluate approaches or modes of inquiry used to analyze diversity and equity and the social barriers to these goals. Brief description of CO11: Students will apply and evaluate modes of academic inquiry, creative expression, or results of research to problems in historical and contemporary global contexts. Students will articulate connections among local, national, and international contexts and evaluate the ways that historical and contemporary global influences affect their current situations. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES As a result of taking this course, students will be able to: 1. Describe the values and world view of at least two religious traditions that have not been historically dominant in the culture of North America or Western Europe. 2. Explain how different religious traditions offer contrasting accounts of human well-being, and show how differences in their accounts can affect social practices. 3. Clarify what is at stake when controversies arise within a particular religious outlook, or when conflicts arise between different outlooks, either historically or in a contemporary global setting. 4. Identify key presuppositions of religious conceptions across multiple traditions, as well as the similarities and dissimilarities between them that history or cultural experience make relevant. COURSE TEXTS There are two texts for this course. The first is a classic by Huston Smith, The World s Religions, (c) The second is World Religions, 7th ed., by Warren Matthews. Both are paperbacks. CLASS ASSIGNMENTS The following is a tentative schedule of reading assignments for the semester: 1. Tue. Jan. 20 Introduction Smith 1-11, Matthews 1-13 Defining Religion & Points of Departure 2. Thur. Jan. 22 Hinduism Smith 12-32, Matthews Hinduism s Conception of the Good Life 2

3 3. Tue. Jan. 27 Hinduism Smith 32-55, Matthews Hinduism s Four Ways of Salvation 4. Thur. Jan. 29 Hinduism Smith 55-75, Matthews Hinduism s Four Stages of Life 5. Tue. Feb. 3 Buddhism Smith Matthews The Four Noble Truths & The Eightfold Path 6. Thur. Feb. 5 Buddhism Smith , Matthews Basic Buddhist Concepts 7. Tue. Feb. 10 Tibetan Buddhism Smith , Matthews Atta, Anatta & Nirvana 8. Thur. Feb. 12 Zen Buddhism Smith , Matthews The Secret of the Flower 9. Tue. Feb. 17 Jainism & Sikhism Smith 75-81, Matthews Hinduism & Islam in Collision 10. Thur. Feb. 19 TEST #1 11. Tue. Feb. 24 Confucianism Smith , Matthews The Confucian Project: Ethics or Religion 12. Thur. Feb. 26 Confucianism Smith The Problem Confucius Faced: Rival Answers 13. Tue. Mar. 3 Shinto Matthews The Bushido Code of the Samurai 14. Thur. Mar. 5 Taoism/Daoism Smith , Matthews Creative Quietude Tue. Mar. 10 Review. Paper #1 Due. Topic TBA 15. Thur. Mar. 12 Ancient Near East Religions & Judaism Smith , Matthews Egypt s View of Life after Death 16. Tue. Mar. 24 Judaism Smith Matthews Messianism & The Chosen People 17. Thur. Mar. 26 Judaism Smith , Matthews The Kabbalah 18. Tue. Apr. 1 Zoroastrianism Matthews The Teachings of Zarathustra 19. Thur. Apr. 3 TEST #2 20. Tue. Apr. 8 Christianity Smith , Matthews The Mystical Body of Christ 21. Thur. Apr. 10 Christianity Smith , Matthews Augustine on the Grace of God 22. Tue. Apr. 15 Roman Catholicism Smith , Matthews Roman Catholic & Greek Orthodox Traditions 23. Thur. Apr. 17 NO CLASS Matthews Tue. Apr. 22 Protestantism Smith , ; Matthews Calvin & The Doctrine of Election 25. Thur. Apr. 24 Islam Smith , Matthews The Five Pillars 3

4 26. Tue. Apr. 29 Islam Smith , Matthews Basic Theological Concepts 27. Thur. May 1 Islam Smith The Social Teachings & Sufism 28. Tue. May. 6 Review. Paper #2 due. 29. Tue May 12 Test #3 [5:00-7:00 p.m.] COURSE REQUIREMENTS Attendance is not formally required in this class. Yet any class may begin or end with a quiz on the reading assignments for that day, and there shall be at least a dozen such during the semester. If any changes are made in the assignments they will be made at the end of the prior meeting. A quiz not taken is recorded as a zero. A missed quiz can be made up by writing a 150 word essay on a topic specified by your instructor. The quiz average for the semester will count for 20% of the final grade for the course. Each of the three tests will likewise count for 20% of the final grade. Two five-page papers will be written on an assigned topic, which will be jointly worth 20% of the final grade. The first paper will be due on March 10; the second on May 6. The three exams are February 19, April 3, and May 12. GRADING SCALE The following is the scale we will be using for all assignments in this course: A (94-100%) the highest grade, is given for work of exceptional quality. Each credit earned with a grade of A carries 4.0 grade points. A- (90-93%) carries 3.7 grade points for each credit earned. B+ (87-89%) carries 3.3 grade points for each credit earned. B (83-86%) is awarded for better-than-average work. Each credit earned with a grade of B carries 3.0 grade points. B- (80-82%) carries 2.7 grade points for each credit earned. C+ (77-79%) carries 2.3 grade points for each credit earned. C (73-76%) represents average work. Each credit earned with a grade of C carries 2.0 grade points. C- (70-72%) carries 1.7 grade points for each credit earned. D+ (67-69%) carries 1.3 grade points for each credit earned. D (63-66%) carries 1.0 grade point for each credit earned. D- (60-62%) carries 0.7 grade points for each credit earned. D- is the lowest passing grade for which undergraduate credit is allowed. F (0-59%) represents failure. Note: No credit or grade points are earned with a grade of F. Failed courses count as credits attempted. MISCELLANEOUS STATEMENTS Audio and video recording: Surreptitious or covert video-taping of class or unauthorized audio recording of class is prohibited by law and by Board of Regents policy. This class may be videotaped or audio recorded only with the written permission of the instructor. In order to accommodate students with disabilities, some students may 4

5 have been given permission to record class lectures and discussions. Therefore, students should understand that their comments during class may be recorded. Disability Services: "The University of Nevada, Reno supports providing equal access for students with disabilities. If you have a disability for which you will need to request accommodation, please contact me and the Disability Resource Center (Thompson Building 107) as soon as possible to arrange for appropriate accommodations." Academic Success Services: Your student fees cover usage of the Math Center ( or Tutoring Center ( or and University Writing Center ( or These centers support your classroom learning; it is your responsibility to take advantage of their services. Keep in mind that seeking help outside of class is the sign of a responsible and successful student. Statement on Academic Dishonesty: "Cheating, plagiarism or otherwise obtaining grades under false pretenses constitute academic dishonesty according to the code of this university. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and penalties can include canceling a student's enrollment without a grade, giving an F for the course or for the assignment. For more details, see the University of Nevada, Reno General Catalog. 5