PHI 107 - World Religions Instructor: David Makinster SPRING 2018 COURSE DESCRIPTION: An introduction to world religions, exploring myths and symbols, rituals and practices, and varieties of religious experience. We will explore Western, non-western, and indigenous traditions, both modern and ancient, as well as secular and atheist thinkers. Students will consider whether and how these traditions may contribute to the modern world, and how to promote constructive, inter-faith dialogue. Prereq: Placement beyond or satisfactory completion of COL 090 and ENG 090. Why Study Philosophy? Philosophy is a process that cultivates skills crucial for success in education, career, citizenship, relationships and personal growth. These skills include the ability to reason critically and solve problems creatively, to read and listen with comprehension, to analyze abstract principles and apply them to concrete issues, to express oneself clearly and effectively, to appreciate viewpoints different from one's own, to engage in constructive dialogue, to realize one's own opinion is never the last word on a subject, to clarify the assumptions underlying one's own opinions, and to be ready to change one's own point of view in light of evidence. The good life is the life guided by reason and inspired by love. (Bertrand Russell) LEARNING OUTCOMES After completing this course, you should be able to: 1. Demonstrate through written work and discussion, and possibly through artistic projects, an appreciation of diverse perspectives and major themes in world religions. 2. Solve problems collaboratively in small groups, analyzing and respectfully discussing diverse perspectives. 3. Communicate personal perspectives and understanding of the perspectives of others, through writing, and optionally artistic work. 4. Demonstrate the ability to identify and cite reliable sources of information and recognize bias, in written work and discussion. 5. Show respect and empathy in group discussion. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION Lecture, assigned readings, guided discussions, open discussions, videos, small group collaborations, possible guest speakers (if available.) A NOTE ON DISCUSSION: Dialogue is an interactive process. Expect that there may be disagreement, and we should explore differences of perspective in a civil, frank manner. It is entirely appropriate for you to raise questions or counter-examples to the opinions of others, and to thoughtfully respond when your own opinions are questioned. This is how we grow! Also note that constraints of time may require that I redirect a discussion, especially if we are discussing essay questions. A NOTE ON PRONOUNS:
Out of respect for those who do not identify as CIS-gendered, I am happy to use gender-neutral pronouns (for example, they, their instead of he, his or she, her ) for any student who expresses a preference. Feel free to let me know if you have a preference; you have the right to be who you are! BOOKS All of the following books are required. Some are available in Kindle editions, or as free PDFs online. 1. Campbell, THE POWER OF MYTH (Anchor Books, any edition is suitable) 2. Esposito, ISLAM: THE STRAIGHT PATH (Oxford, 3 rd edition) 3. Dawkins, THE GOD DELUSION (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, any edition) Recommended only: Fisher, ANTHOLOGY OF LIVING RELIGIONS (Prentice Hall, 3rd edition) This is an excellent text for supplementary reading. The book is quite browse-worthy. The first two chapters may be helpful for the Campbell material, as well as the Dawkins material. Chapter 10 will be useful for Islam, and Chapters 12 and 13 may be useful for the final weeks of the course. I will also provide study questions and additional materials throughout the course. METHOD OF EVALUATION In evaluating your work, I will be looking for all of the following ~ thoroughness (answer the whole question, not just parts of it) ~ accuracy (be familiar with the assigned materials) ~ logic and fairness (give a fair hearing to the point of view we are studying) ~ clarity (express yourself as well as you can) ~ thoughtfulness (reflect on the implications and applications of the ideas we re discussing) Your grade for the course will be based on the assigned homework and essays, as well as forum participation. Each assignment will be weighted equally to compute your numeric average. At my discretion, I may raise your grade for the course because of improvement, especially good discussion, or outstanding work on a particular assignment. In general, extra credit is not an option. BASIC EXPECTATIONS You are responsible for knowing and abiding by all requirements explained in your Student Handbook. Plan to submit work on time. If this is ever impossible, speak to me about it. Allowances can be made for legitimate reasons, but I reserve the right to penalize for lateness. If you choose to drop the course, you must do the required paperwork to avoid an "F." If you need to take an "I" for the course, you MUST discuss this with me before the end of the semester. Failure to do so may result in an "F" for the course. Cheating, including plagiarism, will result in an automatic "F. Please refer to your Student Handbook for more information on academic honesty/academic offences. The Modern Language Association defines plagiarism as the act of using another person s ideas or expressions in your writing without acknowledging the source... Other academic offenses consist of dishonesty,
fraud, cheating, disruption of teaching, or any other activity which adversely affects the academic process. If you do not understand any part of these rules, or are unsure of your current status in relation to them, it is YOUR responsibility to ask me for clarification. PRONOUNS: Any students who prefer being addressed with gender-neutral pronouns or non- CIS-gendered pronouns, please let me know. I will be happy to accommodate. If you have any special needs that will require accommodations, please let me know ASAP. Selfdisclosure is voluntary, but would help me to address your needs. Please read the following statement regarding GCC disability policies: Greenfield Community College values inclusion and equal access to its programs and activities and is committed to fostering an environment of mutual respect and full participation. Our goal is to create learning environments that are equitable, inclusive and welcoming. If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable academic accommodations you are advised to contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) prior to the start of a course to discuss your accommodation needs and options. The ODS will work collaboratively with students with disabilities to develop effective accommodation plans for implementation in the classroom. The ODS is located in the Wellness Center on the fourth floor of the Core in C423. For an appointment, please call 413-775-1332. HOW TO CONTACT ME Email: Makinsterd@gcc.mass.edu Note: This syllabus is not a contract, and may be changed without prior notice. Schedule: (I will post a detailed calendar of assignments online.) PART ONE: RECURRING THEMES AND SYMBOLS IN WORLD RELIGIONS. Week 1 Week 5 Topics: Philosophical, Experiential, Aesthetic and Moral Dimensions of Religion. Diverse Traditions: What is different? What is the same? Your assignments * Readings from Campbell & Fisher. * Class discussion based on study questions you will receive from me. * A writing assignment, or equivalent project, responding to essay questions. PART TWO: CASE STUDY ISLAM Week 6 Week 10 Topics: Recurring Themes, Symbols and Disputed Questions in Islam. Philosophical, Experiential, Aesthetic and Moral Dimensions of Islam. Your assignments * Readings from Esposito.
* Class discussion based on study questions you will receive from me. * A writing assignment, or equivalent project, responding to essay questions. THIRD MODULE: ATHEISM, SECULARISM, AND SKEPTICISM. Week 11 Week 15 Topics: Philosophical and Moral Challenges to Religion. Secular Alternatives to Religious Belief. Your assignments * Readings from Hitchens. * Class discussion based on study questions you will receive from me. * A writing assignment, or equivalent project, responding to essay questions. FINAL EXAM Essay questions drawn from all three modules. PART 3: CALENDAR CALENDAR (subject to change as needed) DATE TOPICS ASSIGNMENTS DUE 1/29 Introduction to the course 1/31 Campbell Video, introducing The Power of Myth Read The Power of Myth, Introduction and Chapter 1. 2/5 2/7 Sick day, followed by snow day 2/12-14 What is religion, spirituality, myth? 2/19 NO CLASS 2/21 Study Questions from Handout Ways of thinking about religion/myth/spirit. 2/23 Friday is Monday Discuss Chapters 3, 4, 5 2/26 2/28 Recurring stories. Why? Continue discussing Chapters 3, 4, 5 3/5 3/7 Love & Eternity & the Divine Feminine Discuss Chapters 6 & 7
3/12 3/14 Goodbye, Joseph What are our take-aways from The Power of Myth? First essay assignment. From the Power of Myth perspective, what is religion/myth/spirituality, what is its value for modern life (on both a personal and social level,) and why do some stories and symbols seem to persist in different times and cultural contexts? Think about what this material could potentially add to your own life, and to dialogue with people of other traditions. 3/19-3/21 No Classes! Spring Break 3/26-3/28 Case study: Islam First essay due, please. Read Esposito: Chapters 1, 2, 3. 4/2 How to mine for gold amid the rubble. We will have a guest speaker from the GCC library talk about the skills needed to find facts amid all the confusion and misinformation on the topic of Islam. CLASS MEETS AT THE GCC LIBRARY. 4/4, 4/9 What is the difference between Qur an, Hadith, Sharia, Fiqh. Shia, Sunni, Sufi. What are the five pillars of Islam? 4/11 What is Jihad? Read chapters 5, 6 4/16 NO CLASS 4/18 4/23 Islam, tradition, pluralism, the modern world Read chapter 7. Possibly watch the film, The Sufi Soul. Second writing assignment: What does it mean to follow Islam? How may the ideas from Power of Myth help us to grasp the appeal of Islam and understand its potential value? Based on your study, do you think the message of Islam is misunderstood in our culture? Do you think it is misunderstood by some who consider themselves Muslim? 4/18 4/23 But what if it s all rubbish? Atheist voices in contemporary times. Read The God Delusion, Chapters 1-4.
4/25 4/30 Can we be moral without supernatural beliefs? Submit second essay, please. Read The God Delusion, Chapters 5-7. 5/2 5/9 The dark side of belief? Read The God Delusion, Chapters 8-10. 5/14 Religion to be, or not to be, and how? Third writing assignment: what are Dawson s major take-away points, intellectual and moral? Can a counter-argument be made for the value of religion, based on The Power of Myth perspective? TBA Submit third essay, please. Any late work must be in no later than the final exam time.