COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course explores the principal theories and methods that have come to shape academic study of religion. The course is designed to acquaint students with the major questions, approaches, and perspectives that guide the critical exploration of religion as a human reality.  By the end of the course, students should have a basic knowledge of the principle theories and methods that undergird the study of religion, how these theories have shaped and continue shape the questions that scholars of religion ask, and how these theories and methods can be employed to yield deeper understanding of the phenomena that we judge to be religious.

REQUIRED TEXTS

The following materials are required reading for the course.  Texts are available in the bookstore.

EXPECTATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

 Participation and attendance: My basic assumption is that we are mutually dedicated to the common cause of education conceived as the advancement of critical thinking.  Because of this basic assumption, I assume that you will come to class prepared and ready to participate in class discussion.  This means, first, that you will have completed assigned readings prior to the class meeting.  (Many of the readings are difficult and I do not expect you to understand them completely; I do, however, expect you to engage the material seriously and to ask about anything you do not understand.)  Second, I expect that you will be ready and willing to discuss the material, i.e., to raise questions, criticisms, thoughts, etc.  Class participation is worth 10 points toward your final grade.  I also assume that you will be in attendance and on time to all class sessions, barring unforeseen circumstances.  Each unexcused absence will result in subtraction of 1 point from your final general participation grade.

 Exams: Three exams will be given over the course of the term, each worth 30 points.

GRADING

A total of 100 points is possible for the class.  The point breakdown is as follows: class participation = 10 points; exams = 90 points (30 points each).  The grading scale is as follows:

92-100 points: A
90-92 points: A-
87-89 points: B+
83-86 points: B
80-82 points: B-
77-79 points: C+
73-76 points: C
70-72 points: C-
60-69 points: D
Below 60 points: U

ACADEMIC HONESTY

 With regard to academic honesty, the Centre College Student Handbook states:

 A high standard of academic honesty is expected of students in all phases of academic work and college life. Academic dishonesty in any form is a fundamental offense against the integrity of the entire academic community and is always a threat to the standards of the College and to the standing of every student. In taking tests and examinations, doing homework or laboratory work, and writing papers, students are expected to perform with honor. In written and oral work for college courses, students will be held responsible for knowing the difference between proper and improper use of source materials. The improper use of source materials is plagiarism and, along with other breaches of academic integrity, is subject to disciplinary action. . . . If the instructor has a concern about a student’s academic honesty, the Associate Dean of the College must be notified (Academic Honesty/Dishonesty).

 The Academic Honesty policy will be strictly upheld.

SEPTEMBER 1-OCTOBER 4: APPROACHING RELIGION