Download Religions of the World: Spring 2012 Course at James Madison University - Prof. Edward Neel and more Lecture notes Anthropology of religion in PDF only on Docsity! JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY Religions of the World Spring 2012 5-6:15 Edward Perry Neel, Adjunct Assistant Professor Cleveland 320 Office Hours Monday and Wednesday 2:30-3:30 neelep@jmu.edu 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 give to the scriptures of each tradition. Novels or films will give a clearer understanding of the cultures and practices for each of the traditions. 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: SCRIPTURES OF THE WORLDS RELIGIONS, Feiser & Powers, eds.. "Gandhi," film, Sir Richard Attenborough. DHARMA ROAD, Brian Haycock. "The Chosen," film, Jeremy Kagan. HOLY THE FIRM, Annie Dillard. A BURNT-OUT CASE, Graham Greene. ALLAH, LIBERTY and LOVE, Irshad Manji. Attendance is expected. I do not distinguish excused and unexcused absences. Your sixth and subsequent absences will deduct 50 points each from your grade total. No late tests. ABSOLUTELY NO CELL PHONES, FOOD, OR GUM. ALL FOOD AND GUM MUST BE DISPOSED BEFORE CLASS. IF YOUR CELLPHONE IS EVEN VISIBLE DURING CLASS YOU WILL RECEIVE A 100 POINT PENALTY. AND THAT DOES NOT MEAN YOU CAN HIDE IT UNDER THE DESK OR IN YOUR BAG EITHER. (“I don’t have pet peeves, I have deep psychological hatreds.” George Carlin) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hut3VRL5XRE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UtRsGU6pVs&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG9SKSL6isI&feature=related Week 1 Monday:The study of religion: WednesdayThe Gospel According to Prum Week 2 M: Holiday W: Hinduism: Lecture and Scriptures Week 3 "Gandhi" (Monday and Wednesday) Week 4 M: Discussion-"Gandhi" W: Buddhism Lecture Week 5 M: Buddhist Scripture W: DHARMA ROAD Week 6 M: cont.... W: Test on Hinduism & Buddhism Week 7 M: Judaism Lecture W. Jewish Scripture Week 8 "The Chosen" (Monday and Wednesday) Week 9 M: Christianity Lecture W: Christian Scriptures Week 10 HOLY THE FIRM (Monday and Wednesday) Week 11 A BURNT-OUT CASE (Monday and Wednesday) Week 12 M: Islam Lecture W: Muslim Scriptures
