REL 3158 – Psychology of Religion
Instructor: Linda Villareal
UWF – On-Line – Fall 2008 Sect. 2111
1
Contact Info: lvillareal@uwf.edu
home phone: 455-1588
Course Overview:
Our goal is to become familiar with the classic theories on the psychology of religion. This course will
present information on the concept of religion and psyche from various perspectives including theories from
Freud, Jung, James, Fromm, Allport, Maslow, and Frankl and Rizutto. We will also discuss developmental
theories and how the religious experience affects the development of personality and identity and vice
versa. Exposure to the concepts regarding psyche and religious practices will allow students to better
understand the nuances and impact of religion on human existence as well as the impact of human existence
on the understanding or practice of religion.
Course Objectives:
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Students will be able to comprehend and discuss religious and psychological concepts, as
evidenced by their writing and participation in discussion.
Students will demonstrate ability to use critical thinking skills and an openness of mind
toward understanding the psychological theories introduced.
Student s will attain specific knowledge acquisition on major figures of
historical/religious/psychological significance, their theories and the impact of their work
on society and history in general as evidenced in their written assignments and class
presentations.
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Required Text:
Psychological Theories of Religion, James Forsyth
The Varieties of Religious Experience. William James
The Future of an Illusion. Sigmund Freud.
Birth of the Living God. Anna Maria Rizzutto.
Course Format:
This course is entirely on-line and internet connectivity is required. You will go to the course home
page via eLearning that will provide access to the links you will use for assignment submissions;
discussions that will be done on-line; a calendar that reflects the syllabus schedule; and links to additional
course material content and resources.
Grades:
The final grade for this course is determined on the basis of two 12-15 page essay papers, 7 reading
summaries/response presentations (1-2 page); and on-line discussion participation.
Participation
Reading Presentations
Essay Papers
30%
35%
40%
REL 3158 – Psychology of Religion
Instructor: Linda Villareal
UWF – On-Line – Fall 2008 Sect. 2111
2
Contact Info: lvillareal@uwf.edu
home phone: 455-1588
Discussion Board Participation:
This class will not meet in a real classroom. Instead, your activity on the discussion boards in the eLearning
classroom is what determines your participation grade, which accounts for 30% of your final course grade.
You are expected to participate in the discussion during the week we are covering that material and there
will be late penalty for completion beyond that week:
You are expected to read and present on the assigned reading material as well as read and respond to the
presentations of others. The minimum expectations for every thread in the discussion area are:
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answer each question assigned to you
read the responses and presentations of other students
post at least 1 response to other students
engage in rational discourse
This discussion board is a tool to enhance the learning of all by inviting every student to share their insights.
Feel free to also use these threads to ask questions about concepts you may not understand. All postings
should be respectful in tone and rational in content. An example of what is NOT a good post would be “I
agree” – This does not promote discussion or reflect your understanding. You are expected to expound
upon why you may agree or disagree.
Reading Summary/Presentations:
There will be 7 reading summary/presentation assignments throughout the term. You will have a specific
things you are required to read each week. On 7 occasions, after reading and reflecting on what you have
read, you will summarize in one or two pages those things included in the section of reading that you will
present. The reading summaries/presentations will be posted in the appropriate discussion thread by the end
of the assigned week to begin and promote discussion for the following week. Each of these assignments
will count toward 5% of your final grade and late submissions will automatically receive a 5% late penalty.
Essay Papers:
There are two essay papers that you are required to write. These papers count toward 40% of your overall
grade. The length requirements are 12-15 pages of double-spaced 12 pt font text. All papers should be
completed in one consistent writing style (APA, MLA.) Information and guidelines regarding writing
styles are available under the “links” area of the course home page.
Pay attention to feedback and comments received on the reading summary/presentation assignments in
order to avoid problems when you complete your essay papers. All written assignments should have the
following:
- a clear thesis in the introduction
- a focused body of discussion that supports that thesis
- a strong conclusion that ties the thesis to the discussion
- correct citation of any sources
Citation is required for the source of any and all information that would not be considered ‘common
knowledge’ as well as for any information quoted directly or paraphrased from a source.
These are the things that will be considered when grading your essays:
- Completion (Have you addressed the assigned topic adequately)
REL 3158 – Psychology of Religion
Instructor: Linda Villareal
UWF – On-Line – Fall 2008 Sect. 2111
3
Contact Info: lvillareal@uwf.edu
home phone: 455-1588
- Content (complete summaries, sound arguments, proper use of relevant class material)
- Continuity (flow, transition, thesis, intro, conclusion)
- Format (grammar, sentence structure, spelling, use and citation of sources)
The following will be the topics of your essay papers:
Paper 1 - Compare and contrast the various definitions of psyche (course content Unit 1) and
religion, root of religion, psychological value of religion and religious experience (Appendix pp.
245-250 Psychological Theories of Religion). You will also, identify those that you find to be
relevant to your own understanding and explain why they are relevant.
Paper 2 – Using the information on theories from the class you will relate your own understanding
of how religion/religious experience have impacted the development of your own personality
and/or how your psyche has impacted your understanding and practice of religion. This is a
process of introspection and a demonstration of the ability to apply the theories we will study to a
real life situation.
I check my e-mail daily and will answer all questions within 48 hours. However, the syllabus is available
as a link on the course home page and I do not expect to be answering questions that are answered in the
syllabus.
Student Disability Statement: Students with a documented disability who require specific
examination or course related academic accommodations should contact the Student Disability
Resource Center (SDRC) by email at sdrc@uwf.edu or by phone at (850) 474-2387.
Course Schedule
(August 25 – December 5, 2008)
Date
Topics
Aug 25 – Aug 31
Course Overview - What is Religion? What is psyche? – Readings: Content Area Unit 1 and
Appendix, pp 245-250, Psychological Theories of Religion Discussion
Sep 1
Happy Labor Day!
Sep 2 – Sep 7
Sigmund Freud - Readings: (A-H) Psychological Theories of Religion pp. 1-50; (I-O) The Future of
an Illusion pp. ix-30; (P-Z) The Future of an Illusion pp, 31-71 Discussion/Reading
Summary/Presentation
Sep 8 – Sep 14
Sigmund Freud – Readings: Psychological Theories of Religion pp. 1-50; The Future of an Illusion
Discussion
Sep 15 – Sep 21
C.G. Jung - Readings: (A-H) Self and Opposites: God and the Problem of Evil (Course Content pdf
file); (I-O) Psychological Theories of Religion pp. 51-98; (P-Z) Jung Theory on Adulthood
(Course Content Word file) Discussion/Reading Summary/Presentation
Sep 22 – Sep 28
C.G. Jung – Readings: Self and Opposites: God and the Problem of Evil (Course Content pdf file);
Psychological Theories of Religion pp. 51-98; Jung Theory on Adulthood (Course Content
Word file) Discussion
Sep 29 – Oct 5
William James – Readings: (A-H) The Varieties of Religious Experience pp, 41-59 and pp 125-141;
(I-O) The Varieties of Religious Experience pp. 281-318 and 359-384; (P-Z) Psychological
Theories of Religion pp. 103-131 Discussion/Reading Summary/Presentation
REL 3158 – Psychology of Religion
Instructor: Linda Villareal
UWF – On-Line – Fall 2008 Sect. 2111
4
Contact Info: lvillareal@uwf.edu
home phone: 455-1588
Oct 6 – Oct 12
William James – Readings: The Varieties of Religious Experience pp, 41-59; pp 125-141; pp. 281318 and 359-384; Psychological Theories of Religion pp. 103-131 Discussion
Oct 13 – Oct 19
Erich Fromm and Gordon Allport – Readings: (A-H) Psychological Theories of Religion pp. 135-161;
(I-O) Psychological Theories of Religion pp. 165-192; (P-Z) Either Fromm on Mysticism or
Allport Personality Theory (course content links) Discussion/Reading
Summary/Presentation
Oct 20 – Oct 26
Erich Fromm and Gordon Allport – Readings: Psychological Theories of Religion pp. 135-161 and pp.
165-192; Fromm on Mysticism and Allport Personality Theory (course content links)
Discussion
Oct 24
FIRST ESSAY PAPER DUE
Oct 27 – Nov 2
Abraham Maslow – Readings: (A-H) Values of Self Actualizers (Course Content link); (I-O)
Transpersonal Pioneers: Abraham Maslow (Course Content Link); (P-Z) Psychological
Theories of Religion pp. 195-220 Discussion/Reading Summary/Presentation
Nov 3 – Nov 9
Abraham Maslow – Readings: Values of Self Actualizers and Transpersonal Pioneers: Abraham
Maslow (Course Content Links); Psychological Theories of Religion pp. 195-220
Discussion
Nov 10 – Nov 16
Viktor Frankl – Readings: (A-H) Psychological Theories of Religion pp. 223-243; (I-O) Personality
Theories: Viktor Frankl (Course Content Link); (P-Z) View Frankl interview Ultimate
Meaning and Religion (Course Content Link) Discussion/Reading Summary/Presentation
Nov 11
Veteran’s Day!
Nov 17 – Nov 23
Viktor Frankle – Readings: Psychological Theories of Religion pp. 223-243; Personality Theories:
Viktor Frankl (Course Content Link); Frankl interview - Ultimate Meaning and Religion
(Course Content Link) Discussion
Nov 24 – Nov30
Rizzuto– Readings: (A-H) Birth of the Living God, ch.3; (I-O) Birth of the Living God, ch 4; (P-Z)
Birth of the Living God, ch 7 Discussion/Reading Summary/Presentation
Nov 27 – Nov 28
Happy Thanksgiving!
Dec 1 – Dec 7
Rizzuto – Readings: Birth of the Living God ch 3, 4, and 7 Discussion/Work on 2nd Essay Paper
Dec 8 – Dec 10
SECOND ESSAY PAPER DUE before midnight December 10th