SYLLABUS
PSYCHOLOGY OF RELIGION
Psyc. 3314
Instructor: Dr. Clement J. Handron
Office:
Rawl 310
Phone - 328 –6059
E-mail: handronc@mail.ecu.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION
A study of the variety of activities that pertain to religion and how they impact human
behavior;
OR
The role of religion in the maintenance of personhood.
MODULE ONE
Objectives:
1. To provide an understanding of common terms, labels, and concepts used in the
process of describing religious issues.
2. To explore the origins, development, creeds, and laws of the five great world
religious organizations.
Methodology: Lecture, group discussion.
Evaluation: Essay type examination; homework assignments
MODULE TWO
Objectives:
1. To study the relationship between religion and psychology
2. To explore religious issues in the psychological theories of:
a) William James
b) Eric Fromm
c) Victor Frankl
Methodology: Lecture, student research as demonstrated in papers.
Optional text: Fuller, Andrew: Psychology and Religion, Eight Points of View. 3rd.ed.
Evaluation:
1. A series of three one to two -page papers on the religious concepts of the three
theorists listed above. Each paper is due at the beginning of the first class related to
that theorist. A corrected and annotated version of the paper will be collected when
we finish that theorist in class. Papers accepted only in class on dates specified.
2. Homework assignments
MODULE THREE
Objectives:
1. To explore current religious issues which affect human behavior.
2. To enable students be attuned to the impact of religion in the
world.
3. To enhance student’s reflections on the role of religion in their lives.
Methodology: Student class presentations; student participation; student and
instructor evaluations.
Each student will work within a group of five to research and offer a
presentation on a topic of interest. There are two parts to the assignment.
1. A paper (8-10 pages) from each individual member of the group will
document his/her contribution to the presentation. Due date for the
paper is the class prior to the presentation. Each paper includes a
bibliography and time log and must be professionally written.
2. Each group presentation will be a full class period (70 minutes). The
instructor will assign the grade with input from each student in the
class audience. The presentations will be judged on: content;
presentation style; ability to hold the class interest and prompt
involvement; supplemental materials; and ability to respond to
questions.
Note: Modules two and three will run simultaneously on an every
other week schedule.
No text is required.
Attendance Policy:
Since this course is participatory and is essentially a classroom course,
there is a fairly rigid attendance policy:
Perfect Attendance – GAIN TWO bonus points added to course grade
First absence – no bonus – no penalty
Each additional absence – LOSE TWO POINTS from final course grade
Excused absences by dialogue with instructor and in writing.
Grade summery:
Module One – Examination – 27% of grade
Module Two – Short papers with additions and corrections – 15% of grade
Module Three –major paper – 25% of grade; group presentation 25% of grade
Homework term assignments – 8% of grade
A ten-point scale will be used in final grade.
DUE DATES
1. Major paper due the class prior to your presentation
2. Module Two papers:
a. Wm James – October 12
b. Eric Fromm - October 28
c. Victor Frankl – November 16
3. Homework assignments: Half-page definition/description of word/name assigned
to you. Due the class following the assignment.
If anyone needs any special consideration because of a disability please talk to
me.
PRESENTATION TOPICS
1. What religions teach about abortion and stem cell research
2. Role and status of women in different religions
3. Current influence of religious conservatism and
fundamentalism.
4. The “just war” concept in Christianity and Islam. Preemptive war – does it fit?
5. Jews, Christians, Muslims and Jerusalem. Role of religion
in the mid-east turmoil.
6. Church and State – one or separate – historically in our
country, in practice now, and in the United States
Constitution.
7. Alternative Religions - eg: Wicca, Voodoo, Scientology
etc.
8. Marriage customs and rituals of various religions
9. Religion and homosexuality
10. Terrorism in the name of God and religion