Time : MW 9:00-10:15am Place : Loyola 10
Instructor: Dr. Thomas B. Leininger
Website : http://academic.regis.edu/tleining/
Tel 303-964-5082
E-mail tleining@regis.edu
*Use voicemail rather than e-mail for time sensitive matters.
Office Loyola 32 Hours : M 4-4:30; T 2:30-3 & 4:25-5:40; Th 10:25-11:55 & 4:25-5:40 or by appointment
REQUIRED TEXTS
Dalrymple, William. Nine Lives: In Search of the Sacred in Modern India (New York: Alfred A. Knopf,
2010)
Fingarette, Herbert. Confucius: The Secular as Sacred (Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press, 1972)
Watts, Alan. Tao: The Watercourse Way (New York: Pantheon Books, 1975)
The Bible (any translation of the original) for example, The Message at http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/?action=getVersionInfo&vid=65
Readings on course website [“ CW ”], the internet, or DML E-Reserve [“ ER” PW: “RT201L”]
Leininger, lecture notes (on the course website).
Recommended Texts :
Welch, Holmes. Taoism: The Parting of the Way . Beacon Press, 1965.
_________________________________________________________________________________
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Welcome to a fascinating encounter with the religious dimensions of human existence in India and
China. We will explore what it means to be human in relation to “the sacred” as experienced in these cultures. This will include particular attention to human questions about “the sacred” in relation to our existence. We will seek to understand diverse religious phenomena a) from the perspective of religious practitioners and b) in light of the recurring elements and patterns that characterize religious life. Our aim is not to survey the major world religions. Instead, we will draw upon experiences, questions, and patterns from a small sample of religious traditions to illustrate and better understand key elements of religious experience and the role of religion in human existence .
COURSE QUESTIONS
1.
Why and how do persons and communities engage in religious activity
?
2.
How does religion shape human life? How does it help us to understand what it means to be human?
3.
What questions do religions seek to answer? What answers do they offer?
4.
What are the similarities and differences in the answers to such questions from one religious tradition to another?
LEARNING GOALS
To develop a critical and engaged understanding of
1.
answers to these questions;
2.
basic concepts and questions involved in the study of the religion;
3.
religious experience and imagination as conveyed through stories, practices, and concepts
from religious traditions;
4.
the practical value of religious studies for our lives—irrespective of religious commitment
We will pursue these objectives so as to develop core skills of reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking.
MEANS TO ACHIEVE THESE GOALS
1.
Contribute to Class Discussion
I evaluate your class participation by asking: “What level of reading and reflection on the assigned texts and class conversations does it demonstrate?” and “How well do your questions and comments incorporate specific details from the text and connect to larger course goals?” Focus on the following:

 Attend class on time with the assigned texts and notes in hand and consistently a) ask questions if you are perplexed by the readings or discussions, b) offer insights based upon your reflection upon the readings and discussions, c) answer questions posed in class in a manner that demonstrates this thoughtful reading, and d) stimulate your classmates to participate and learn , e.g., by listening to them, reflecting back to them what you have heard, and asking them thoughtful questions. If you disagree with a colleague or with me—say so. Polite discourse will be the rule, but even polite exchanges can be respectfully heated.
I will often begin class by asking a student to start us off with a question, comment, or summary of the assigned reading. Come to each class with an idea of what you want to discuss. I may also ask you to bring in short papers, etc. on the assigned readings.
2.
Regular Class Attendance
This class is designed such that essential and irreplaceable learning occurs during class meetings.
Regular attendance is a non-negotiable academic requirement for passing this course. Every class meeting matters; class discussions cannot be made up. A maximum of 3 absences for official university business may be excused, provided a) they are coordinated in advance and b) you turn in a one page reflection on the assigned readings/film before the start of the class to be missed. For students who miss over 5 classes due to illness or other unavoidable reasons, the appropriate course of action is to withdraw from the course or obtain an administrative drop and reenroll during a semester when you are able to attend on a regular basis .
ABSENCES: over 5 = “F” for the course.
You are responsible for everything covered in class (handouts, assignments, changes in exam dates, etc.). Plan for possible illness by forming an “academic team” whose members will provide each other with all assignments, notes, handouts, changes in the syllabus, etc. whenever any team member is absent.
If, after you have read these notes, something is not clear, ask me.
3.
Presentations
You will present to the class on a topic related to the course description (explained in the prompt).
4.
Papers and Exams
You will be provided with paper prompts and descriptions of the exams including a final exam.
A 94-100 B+ 87-89
GRADING SCALE
A- 90-93 Outstanding B 83-86 Very Good
C+ 77-79
C 73-76 Good
D+ 67-69
D 63-66 Minimum
B- 80-82
Pass > C-; pass/fail student with a “D+ receives an F
C- 70-72 D- 60-62
F 59-0 Fails
POLICIES
Late/Missed Assignments. Tardy work will be treated differently than timely work. With the exception of the Project Paper (see schedule), other late assignments will lose 10% of the grade for the first week it is late, after which time the assignment will earn a zero. In circumstances that require an extension for a paper, I will grant you one only if you arrange it no later than two class meetings prior to the due date. Do not wait until it is too late to discuss your circumstances.
Regis Academic Integrity Policy: Consistent with the College's Academic Integrity Policy, we will report all violations of this course's academic integrity policy to the Dean's office. Students who have committed multiple instances of academic dishonesty can be subject to institutional penalties like

probation, suspension, or expulsion, in addition to the penalties for this course. You must cite the author if an idea is not your own even if it is not a direct quotation.
Disabilities
. Students with a documented disability requiring academic adjustments for this class need to contact Disability Services (303-458-4941, disability@regis.edu
). Following the meeting with Disability
Services, make an appointment with me to discuss your accommodation request.
Writing Center.
The Writing Center is a free resource where Regis College students get immediate and personal feedback on their writing and answers to questions about grammar, documentation, and formatting. Peer writing consultants help at any point in the writing process, from brainstorming for ideas to organizing a draft to polishing the final version. The Writing Center is a very popular service, so appointments are strongly recommended. Drop by Loyola 1 or call (303) 458-4039 for more information.
Date Topic(s) Assignment Presenters
Mon Jan 17 MLK Day: No Class
Wed Jan 19 Introduction Read syllabus after class
Mon Jan 24 Asceticism Dalrymple, Intro. & ch. 1
Typewritten: “How I am best challenged to learn & my religious background”
Dalrymple, ch. 2 Wed Jan 26 Oral Tradition
Mon Jan 31 Guest Speaker: Dr. Paul
Macdonald NOTE: different classroom L33
Class will meet in Loyola 33
Dalrymple Wed Feb 2 Religion in India
Mon Feb 7 Religion in India
Wed Feb 9 Religion in India
Mon Feb 14 Religion in India
Wed Feb 16 Jesuits in India
Mon Feb 21 Jesuits in India
Wed Feb 23 Thomas Christians
Mon Feb 28 Thomas Christians
Wed Mar 2 Thomas Christians
Mon Mar 7 Spring Break
Mon Mar 14 Religion in China
Dalrymple
Dalrymple
Dalrymple
Jesuits in India
Jesuits in India
Reading on Thomas Christians
Reading on Thomas Christians
Reading on Thomas Christians
No Classes Mon-Fri
Wed Mar 16 Religion in China
Mon Mar 21 Religion in China
Wed Mar 23 Religion in China
Mon Mar 28 Religion in China
Wed Mar 30 Religion in China
Mon Apr 4 Religion in China
Wed Apr 6 Religion in China
Ching, “Confucius”;
Fingarette, preface, ch. 1
Fingarette, ch. 2
Fingarette, ch. 3
Fingarette, ch. 4
Fingarette, ch. 5
Watts, preface, ch. 1
Watts, ch. 2
Watts, ch. 3

Mon Apr 11 Religion in China Watts, ch. 4
Wed Apr 13 Religion in China
Mon Apr 18 Jesuits in China
Wed Apr 20 Jesuits in China
Mon Apr 25
Wed Apr 27
Watts, ch. 5
Reading on Jesuits in China
Reading on Jesuits in China
Review
T.B.A.
Mon May 2 Final Exam : 8:00am