RELS 311 – SEEKING THE HOLY: ANCIENT TRADITIONS, MODERN PRACTICES
Spring 2009
TR 11:40 a.m.–1:20 p.m., KH B2008
PROF. SCOTT WELLS
E-mail: swells2@calstatela.edu
Office Location: KH A4026
Office Phone: (323) 343-2025
Office Hours: Tuesdays/Thursdays 1:30-2:30 and 5:15-6:00; Wednesdays 5:30-6:00
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
GE Theme I, Diversity Course
Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block C or D
This class will provide an in-depth investigation of the ways in which texts, objects, music,
rituals, spaces, and environments have mediated human experiences with the sacred. We will
focus in particular on the ways in which a variety of ancient traditions for seeking the holy
(dating back centuries or millennia) shape modern religious, philosophical, political, ethical,
scientific, artistic, and athletic practices.
Through this course, we will:
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identify the principal ways in which human beings have inscribed, enacted, and
perpetuated their beliefs about the sacred
understand the various histories and cultures shaping the religious traditions and practices
of the twenty-first century
discover the importance of approaching the study of religions not as static entities, but as
integrated and evolving systems of belief and action
connect current, local, national, and international conflicts over religion to competing
struggles over sacred texts, objects, rituals, and spaces
explore the significant parallels and variations in diverse modes of ascribing meaning or
purpose to human actions and experiences
REQUIRED COURSE BOOKS:
The two required course books are available for purchase at the CSULA Bookstore.
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Michael Molloy, Experiencing the World’s Religions: Tradition, Challenge, and Change,
4th edition (McGraw-Hill, 2008) – ISBN 0073535648
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Ninian Smart and Richard D. Hecht (eds.), Sacred Texts of the World: A Universal
Anthology (Crossroad, 1982) – ISBN 0824506391
ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING:
Class Attendance and Participation: 12% of total course grade
For each class session, make sure to complete the assigned reading from Michael Molloy’s
Experiencing the World’s Religions in advance of the class meeting, and come prepared to
discuss that day’s selections from the anthology Sacred Texts of the World, edited by Ninian
Smart and Richard Hecht. You are expected to participate regularly in in-class discussion and
writing assignments to receive full credit for this portion of the course grade.
Four Essays: 88% of total course grade (22% each)
Over the course of the quarter, you will be required to write four brief essays (three to five typed,
double-spaced pages each) identifying and describing major themes in the sacred texts, objects,
music, rituals, spaces, and environments discussed in class.
The first essay, covering materials from April 7 to April 16, will be due at the start of
class on April 21.
The second essay, covering materials from April 21 to April 30, will be due at the start of
class on May 5.
The third essay, covering materials from May 5 to May 21, will be due at the start of
class on May 26.
The fourth essay, covering materials from May 26 to June 4, will be due between 11:00
a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on June 9 (the Tuesday of finals week) in Prof. Wells’ office.
Essays handed in late will automatically be penalized with a 10% reduction in grade. Further
guidance on each essay contents will be provided in-class over the course of the quarter.
ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY:
As with all your courses at Cal State L.A., you are required to adhere to the University's policy
on academic honesty, which can be found at the following website:
http://www.calstatela.edu/univ/stuaffrs/Academic_Honesty.htm
COURSE OUTLINE:
April 2
Introduction: Seeking the Holy and the Search for Meaning
April 7
The Past and Present of Indigenous Religions
Read before class:
Molloy, chapter 2: “Indigenous Religions,” pp. 31–71.
To be discussed in class:
Smart & Hecht, “Small-Scale Traditional Religions,” pp. 337–368.
April 9
The Past and Present of Shintoism
Read before class:
Molloy, chapter 7: “Shintoism,” pp. 265–291.
To be discussed in-class:
Smart & Hecht, “Shintoism,” pp. 319–327.
April 14
The Past and Present of Judaism
Read before class:
Molloy, chapter 8: “Judaism,” pp. 293–349.
To be discussed in-class:
Smart & Hecht, “Judaism,” pp. 45–89.
April 16
Ancient Traditions and ‘New’ Religions
Read before class:
Molloy, chapter 11: “Alternative Paths,” pp. 501–535.
To be discussed in-class:
Smart & Hecht, “New Religions,” pp. 369–379.
April 21
FIRST ESSAY DUE AT START OF CLASS
(also bring Smart & Hecht to class, to begin discussion of the Abrahamic religions)
April 23
The Past and Present of Christianity
Read before class:
Molloy, chapter 9: “Christianity,” pp. 351–435.
To be discussed in-class:
Smart & Hecht, “Christianity,” pp. 91–124.
April 28
The Past and Present of Islam
Read before class:
Molloy, chapter 10: “Islam,” pp. 437–499.
To be discussed in-class:
Smart & Hecht, “Islam,” pp. 125–177.
April 30
The Abrahamic Religions in the Modern World
Further in- class discussion of:
Smart & Hecht, pp. 45–177.
May 5
SECOND ESSAY DUE AT START OF CLASS
(also bring Smart & Hecht to class, to begin discussion of South Asian religions)
May 7
NO CLASS MEETING
May 12
The Past and Present of Hinduism
Read before class:
Molloy, chapter 3: “Hinduism,” pp. 73–121.
To be discussed in-class:
Smart & Hecht, “Hinduism,” pp. 179–230.
May 14
The Past and Present of Buddhism
Read before class:
Molloy, chapter 4: “Buddhism,” pp. 123–189.
To be discussed in-class:
Smart & Hecht, “Buddhism,” pp. 231–275.
May 19
The Past and Present of Jainism / The Past and Present of Sikhism
Read before class:
Molloy, chapter 5: “Jainism and Sikhism,” pp. 191–213.
To be discussed in-class:
Smart & Hecht, “Jainism,” pp. 277–290; “Sikhism,” pp. 329–336.
May 21
The South Asian Religions in the Modern World
Further in- class discussion of:
Smart & Hecht, pp. 179–290 and 329–336.
May 26
THIRD ESSAY DUE AT START OF CLASS
(also bring Smart & Hecht to class, to begin discussion of Daoism and Confucianism)
May 28
The Past and Present of Daoism / The Past and Present of Confucianism
Read before class:
Molloy, chapter 6: “Daoism and Confucianism,” pp. 215–263.
To be discussed in-class:
Smart & Hecht, “Taoism,” pp. 291–303; “Confucianism,” pp. 305–317.
June 2
Comparing ‘Religious’ and ‘Secular’ Quests for Meaning
Read before class:
Molloy, chapter 12: “The Modern Search,” pp. 537–576.
To be discussed in-class:
Smart & Hecht, “The Powerful Dead,” pp. 1–44.
Smart & Hecht, “Secular Worldviews,” pp. 381 – 391.
June 4
Seeking the Holy: Past, Present, and Future
Further in- class discussion of:
Smart & Hecht, pp. 1–44, 291–317, and 381–391.
June 11
FOURTH ESSAY DUE BETWEEN 11:00 A.M. AND 1:30 P.M. IN KH A4026