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Huron University College
Fall Term 2015
Religious Studies 1010G:
Religion, Theology and Global Issues
Course time : Thursdays, 6:00-9:00p.m.
Course location: V208
Instructor: Dr. Lizette Larson-Miller
Office: HC-A223
Office Hours: Wednesdays, 9:00-11:00
Contact Information: llarson3@uwo.ca
Course Description
This course will introduce students to the fields of religious studies and theology, first as they
stand in relationship to religious practices and faith systems, and second from the perspectives
of global issues. In this globalized world, peoples in different countries and continents are
interconnected, or at least aware of each other, to a degree that has never been seen before in
human history. Distinct and diverse cultural traditions are in constant dialogue with each other
within different communities and regions of the world, sometimes clashing, sometimes creating
new hybrids, and sometimes engaging in accommodations both strained and fruitful. One area
of negotiation within this globalized context is how to deal with varying religious beliefs and
practices that shape how people construct their realities. In this course, we will examine
religion’s important and influential role as a shaper of reality by delving into the relationships
between religion and the following topics: culture(s), politics, economics, violence, identity and
community, environmental concerns, and ritual practices.
Course Requirements
Class Participation
Two Short Papers
Midterm
Presentation
20%
30% (15% each)
20%
30%
Required Readings:
All required readings will be made available on the course OWL Sakai website
https://owl.uwo.ca/portal, except for the obligation to read a copy of the textbook by Robert
Ellwood: Introducing Religion from Inside and Outside. 4th edition Englewood Cliffs, NJ:
Prentice Hall Pearson Publishers). Copies are available through the Western bookstore, and
through the other usual places!
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Course Evaluation Details:
Class participation (20% of final grade):
ATTENDANCE: An excessive number of absences (i.e., more than two) will result in a deduction
from your participation grade. Regular lateness to class may also result in deductions.
PARTICIPATION: participation in class discussion and an overall engagement in the course are
required. This is an important part of growing as a scholar and gives evidence that you are able
to read critically, to ask questions about the reading or the material, and to exhibit whether or
not you have read and understood the material.
Two short essays (30% of your grade): The 2 four page essays should cover the readings that
were assigned on or before the assignment is due. The essay must have a thesis (highlighted at
the beginning of each paper in italics). We will discuss moving from a question to a thesis in
class prior to the first paper as a basic university level approach to focusing essays. The essay
should address an interesting theme that struck you from the readings, a short critique, or a
comparison of an aspect of the readings. The essay must be double-spaced, in 12 pt. Times
New Roman font, with no extraneous spaces between paragraphs. Papers are to be handed in
at the beginning of class. Detailed instructions and guidance will be provided in class and on
the course website. Paper due dates: October 15 and December 8, 2015.
Midterm (20% of final grade): midterm will involve short answer questions, identifications, and
(very) short essay questions. The midterm will cover all course material, e.g., required texts
and class lectures and conversations up until the midterm on October 22. (Further guidelines
will be posted on OWL and discussed in class). Midterm in class, October 22 session.
Oral Presentation (30% of final grade): you will be assigned to a small group (depending on the
total number of participants in class, groups will be 6-8 students) to present for the part of
assigned class (usually first half, totaling about 45-50 minutes including questions) on a
approved topic of interest to your group that explores a current issue where religion is engaging
with culture, countering culture, or has influenced the outcome of a conflict. Your primary texts
will be the news (yes – you can read a newspaper, look at current magazines, even watch a
reputable news station!!) Further guidelines discussed in class)
Course Outcomes
At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to:
• Articulate the differences between the fields of religious studies and theology
• Recognize the central role that religion plays in many current global issues, whether
overtly named or not
• Know some terminology of religious studies and theology, particularly with regard to
practices (ritual and outward actions), and beliefs (teachings and inward guidance) that
shape individual and corporate actions (ethics)
• Critically read current issues with an eye to religious motivations, fears, reactions, and
inspiration behind the actions and reactions
• Read a variety of assigned readings critically and with understanding
• Write clearly and concisely on a focused topic, shaping a thesis from a question
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Work with others to shape and present on a topic of interest, using a variety of media
and responding to questions with understanding and clarity
Course Outline
Introductory materials
Week One (September 10th): Introduction to 1010G
• START READING! Robert Ellwood, Introducing Religion from Inside and Outside 4th
edition Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall (Pearson Publications), 2014. Chapters 1 & 2
• Booth, Colomb, Williams, The Craft of Research, Part II (3, 4, 5, 6) – handed out in class
or on reserve in Huron library
Week Two (September 17th): Introduction to Religious Studies and Theology: inside and outside
as descriptors for many different approaches
• Robert Ellwood, Introducing Religion from Inside and Outside. Chapters 3 & 6
• King article “Disciplining Religion”, Chapter 2
Weeks one and two – online conversation “how do we talk about religion?”
First Context – from outside: Religion in the Public Sphere
Week Three (September 24th): Religious Pluralism I
• Peter Beyer (2008). “From Far and Wide: Canadian Religious and Cultural Diversity in
Global/Local Context.” Religion and diversity in Canada. Lori G. Beaman and Peter Beyer,
eds. Leiden; Boston: Brill 9-39.
• Joseph Runzo, “Secular Rights and Religious Responsibilities”
• Time to catch up with Ellwood’s book (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 6)
Several films are recommended to watch in lieu of a class session on this week. Online
conversation answers: “what are the tensions of religious pluralism?”
Week Four (October 2nd): Religion and Popular Culture
Lecture by Dr. Ingrid Mattson
• Ibrahim Kalin (2010). “Islam, Christianity, the Enlightenment: ‘A Common Word’ and
Muslim-Christian Relations.” Muslim and Christian understanding: theory and
application of “a common word.” Waleed El-Ansary and David K. Linnan, eds.
Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 41-56.
Follow-up discussion of film(s) in class
Week Five (October 8th): Religion and Politics
Lecture by Dr. Gary Badcock
• Driessen, “Religion, State and Democracy: Analyzing Two Dimensions of Church-State
Arrangements”
• Steenstand, “American Evangelicals and Conservative Politics”
First short paper on religion in the public sphere – what are the dangers, the problems, the
issues, the motivations for religion as a public exercise? Using a limited number of readings in
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section above, write a clear 4 page paper (see instructions elsewhere in syllabus) – due
October 15)
Second Approach – from inside: Religion from within
Week Six (October 15th): The Development and Expansion of Religious Practices – ritual as
meaning making and spiritual practice, religion and popular culture
• Ron Grimes, “Modes of Ritual Sensibility in Foundations in Ritual Studies
• Vincent Miller, “How to Think about Consumer Culture” in Consuming Religion
• Ellwood, chapters 4 & 5
Week Seven (October 22): Theories, Theology and Truth
• Ellwood, Chapter 7
• Roger Gottlieb (2013). “Spiritual but Not Religious?” Spirituality: What It Is and Why It
Matters. New York: Oxford University Press, 80-92.
Short midterm in class – covers reading material from beginning through (including) the two
readings for October 22
Week Eight (October 29th): READING WEEK, no class
Global Issues and Religion – from inside and outside
Week Nine (November 5th): Issue One - Religion and Violence
Lecture by Dr. Tracy M. Lemos
• Mark Juergensmeyer (2003). “Terror and God.” Terror in the mind of God: the global
rise of religious violence. Berkeley: University of California Press, 3-18.
• R. Scott Appleby (2000). “Introduction: Powerful Medicine.” The ambivalence of the
sacred: religion, violence, and reconciliation. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 1-24.
• Hebrew Bible: Deuteronomy 20, Isaiah 2:1-4; New Testament: Matthew 5, Revelation
19:11-16; Quran 2:62, 2:191-193, 2:216, 2:256, 5:33, 25:63
Group One – presentation on religion and global issues
Group One – online conversations on group two
Week Ten (November 12th): Issue Two – Religion and the Environment
• Papal Encyclical: Laudato Si’ (24 May 2015).
W2.Vatican.va/content/Francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papafrancesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html
Group Two – presentation on religion and global issues
Group Two – online conversation on group three
Week Eleven (November 19th): Issue Three – Is Religion Shifting? New movements in Religious
Identity and Community
• Michael Strmiska (2005). Excerpt from “Modern Paganism in World Cultures:
Comparative Perspectives.” Modern Paganism in World Cultures: Comparative
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Perspectives. Michael Strmiska, ed. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO. (Part I required, Part II,
RECOMMENDED)
• Rachel Held Evans: look at blog (rachelheldevans.com/blog), and read excerpt from her
book, “Searching for Sunday”
Group Three – presentation on religion and global issues
Group three – online conversation on group four
Week Twelve (November 26th): Issue Four - Religion in the Digital Age
• D. Brent Laytham (2012). Excerpt from iPod, YouTube, Wii play: theological
engagements with entertainment. Eugene,OR: Cascade Books. (Chapter One)
• Dawson, “Religion and the Quest for Virtual Community”
Group Four – presentation on religion and global issues
Group Four, online conversation on group five
Week Thirteen (December 3rd): Religion and Ethics – guiding our actions as summary
• Joseph Runzo, “Being Religious and Doing Ethics in a Global World”
• (reference back to Ellwood, read epilogue and appendix)
Group Five – presentation on religion and global issues
Group Five – online conversation on group one
Second short paper due on religion inside – issues of spirituality, ritual and practice, religion
and art. Why are religious practices important? How do they form identity, confirm identity?
What is the relationship between beliefs, spirituality, practice, and identity. Using some of
the readings (Ellwood in appropriate chapters, readings of weeks six and seven, a few
sections of ‘issues’ readings) summarize the inside of religion, clarifying in your own mind
(and in the thesis statement) whether you are writing on religious studies or theology. Paper
due December 7th prior to exam period.
Grading Scale:
Grade %
Range
A+
90-100
A
80-89
B
70-79
C
60-69
Definition
The student exhibits an exceptional and sophisticated level of
achievement; displays a superb command of the material and can
creatively apply it at all levels; presents an insightful and, in the case of an
A+, novel view of subject matter. Arguments are both inventive and fully
supported. Writing is clear, elegant, mature, and completely grammatical,
with few if any typographical errors.
The higher end of this range indicates above average achievement;
examines issues thoroughly and critically; demonstrates a good grasp of
the material and can creatively apply it at most levels; arguments are
usually well supported and display some novel thinking. Writing is clear
and displays no major grammatical errors and few minor ones.
The higher end of this range represents an average or somewhat belowaverage level of achievement and only a narrow grasp of the material;
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D
50-59
F
0-49
student is uncritical about tacit assumptions; arguments reflect the subject
matter but evidence is sometimes insufficient or inadequate. Writing is at
times awkward, unclear, or colloquial in style. A few major grammatical
mistakes are present.
Minimally acceptable, indicating little understanding of the subject matter
and lack of awareness of critical and differing views; arguments are
superficial and merely descriptive. Writing is below the level expected for
a university course, betraying a lack of understanding of the grammatical
rules of the English language; it is informal in style and unvaried in diction.
Work is unacceptable, representing no comprehension of the material and
a lack of ability to communicate even the basic grasp of the raw data
presented. It is possible the student did not follow the directions of the
assignment in a major way. Writing is far below the level expected for a
university course.
Course Policies
Policy on Missed/Late Assignments: students who submit assignments late without making a
prior agreement with the Instructor, or without a valid medical certificate, will be
penalized 5% for every 24-hour period past the assignment deadline. (See Appendix for
procedural information concerning academic accommodations)
Policy on classroom etiquette: In order to maintain a respectful and productive learning
environment, it is essential that students arrive at class ready to listen and attend to
lectures and films. Disrespectful and disruptive behaviour during class will not be
tolerated and will affect one’s participation grade. Disrespectful and disruptive
behaviour includes the following: texting or talking on mobile phones, chatting on or
browsing Facebook or other social media sites, persistent talking during lectures or
films, wearing headphones, emailing, and/or surfing the Internet for non-class purposes.
Students observed to be engaging in this behaviour during class will be asked to stop. If
disruptive behaviour persists, the professor will use her discretion and judgment in
deciding how best to deal with the situation.( None of the above should be necessary to
even say in a university setting, and it is part of general student policy-now you knowsee the appendix at end of this syllabus)
Email Policy: If you have any questions or concerns related to the course, feel free to contact
me through OWL, the course website. I will try to respond within 48 hours. If there is
an emergency, please contact me at llarson3@uwo.ca. Please use your Western email
account in order to reduce the chance that your email will be labelled as spam.
General Support Services
• UWO Registrar’s Office: http://www4.registrar.uwo.ca
• Huron’s Faculty of Theology, Office of the Dean:
http://www.huronuc.on.ca/faculty_of_theology/info_for_current_students
• srice@uwo.ca, 519-438-7224, ext. 289
• Huron’s Writing Skills Centre:
http://www.huronuc.on.ca/student_life/writing_services
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• UWO Student Support and Development Services:
http://communications.uwo.ca/current_students/student_services.htm
• Huron library homepage: huronuc.libguides.com/home
Appendix to Course Outline
Conduct of Students in Classes, Lectures, and Seminars
Membership in the community of Huron University College and the University of Western
Ontario implies acceptance by every student of the principle of respect for the rights,
responsibilities, dignity and well-being of others and a readiness to support an environment
conducive to the intellectual and personal growth of all who study, work and live within it.
Upon registration, students assume the responsibilities that such registration entails. The
academic and social privileges granted to each student are conditional upon the fulfillment of
these responsibilities.
In the classroom, students are expected to behave in a manner that supports the learning
environment of others. Students can avoid any unnecessary disruption of the class by arriving in
sufficient time to be seated and ready for the start of the class, by remaining silent while the
professor is speaking or another student has the floor, and by taking care of personal needs
prior to the start of class. If a student is late, or knows that he/she will have to leave class early,
be courteous: sit in an aisle seat and enter and leave quietly. Please see the Code of Student
Rights and Responsibilities at:http://www.huronuc.ca/pdf/CodeStudentRights.pdf
Technology It is not appropriate to use technology (such as, but not limited to, laptops, PDAs,
cell phones) in the classroom for non-classroom activities. Such activity is disruptive and is
distracting to other students and to the instructor, and can inhibit learning. Students are
expected to respect the classroom environment and to refrain from inappropriate use of
technology and other electronic devices in class.
Academic Accommodation for Medical/Non-Medical Grounds For UWO Policy on
Accommodation for Medical Illness and a downloadable SMC see:
http://www.uwo.ca/univsec/handbook/appeals/accommodation_medical.pdf [downloadable
Student Medical Certificate (SMC): https://studentservices.uwo.ca under the Medical
Documentation heading] Students seeking academic accommodation on medical grounds for
any missed tests, exams, participation components and/or assignments worth 10% or more of
their final grade must apply to the Academic Counselling office of their home Faculty and
provide documentation. Academic accommodation will be determined by the Dean’s Office in
consultation with the instructor. For non-medical grounds or for medical grounds when work
represents less than 10%of the overall grade for the course, students seeking academic
accommodation must apply to the Academic Counseling office of their home Faculty and
provide documentation. Academic accommodation will be determined by the Dean’s Office in
consultation with the instructor.
Statement on Academic Offences Scholastic offences are taken seriously and students are
directed to read the appropriate policy, specifically, the definition of what constitutes a
Scholastic Offence, at the following Web site:
http://www.uwo.ca/univsec/handbook/appeals/scholastic_discipline_undergrad.pdf .
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Plagiarism Plagiarism is an academic offence and will be treated as such. Students who are in
doubt as to the nature of this offence should consult their instructor, Department Chair or the
Dean, as well as the Huron University College Statement on Plagiarism, available at the
reference desk in the HUC Library and at http://www.huronuc.on.ca/pdf/FASSonPlagiarism.pdf
. In addition, students may seek guidance from a variety of current style manuals available at
the Reference Desk in the HUC Library. Information about these resources can be found at:
http://www.huronuc.ca/library/research_guides_and_handouts .
Students found guilty of plagiarism will suffer consequences ranging from a grade reduction
to failure in the course to expulsion from the university. In addition, a formal letter
documenting the offence will be filed in the Dean’s Office, and this record of the offence will
be retained in the Dean’s Office for the duration of the student’s academic career at Huron
University College.
All required papers may be subject to submission for textual similarity review to the
commercial plagiarism detection software under license to the University for the detection of
plagiarism. All papers submitted for such checking will be included as source documents in the
reference database for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of papers subsequently submitted
to the system. Use of the service is subject to the licensing agreement, currently between The
University of Western Ontario and Turnitin.com. Computer-marked multiple-choice tests
and/or exams may be subject to submission for similarity review by software that will check for
unusual coincidences in answer patterns that may indicate cheating.
Policy on Special Needs
Students who require special accommodation for tests and/or other course components must
make the appropriate arrangements with the Student Development Centre (SDC). Further
details concerning policies and procedures may be found at:
http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/ssd/?requesting_acc
Attendance Regulations for Examinations
A student is entitled to be examined in courses in which registration is maintained, subject to
the following limitations:
1) A student may be debarred from writing the final examination for failure to maintain
satisfactory academic standing throughout the year.
2) Any student who, in the opinion of the instructor, is absent too frequently from class or
laboratory periods in any course will be reported to the Dean of the Faculty offering the course
(after due warning has been given). On the recommendation of the Department concerned,
and with the permission of the Dean of that Faculty, the student will be debarred from taking
the regular examination in the course. The Dean of the Faculty offering the course will
communicate that decision to the Dean of the Faculty of registration.
Class Cancellations In the event of a cancellation of class, every effort will be made to post that
information on the Huron website, http://www.huronuc.ca/accessibility (“Postings of Service
Disruptions”).
Accessibility Huron University College strives at all times to provide its goods and services in a
way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. We are also
committed to giving people with disabilities the same opportunity to access our goods and
services and allowing them to benefit from the same services, in the same place as, and in a
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similar way to, other customers. We welcome your feedback about accessibility at Huron.
Information about how to provide feedback is available at: http://www.huronuc.ca/accessibility
Program and Academic Counselling Chinese students registered at Huron who require advice
about modules and courses in CHN should contact Laura Wu, Coordinator for Chinese courses
within the Department of French and Asian Studies, hwu1@huron.uwo.ca, 519-438-7224 ext.
332. For information about other French and Asian Studies, students should contact the Chair
of the Department - Mariana Ionescu at mionesc2@huron.uwo.ca Students should contact
Academic Counselling on other academic matters. See the Academic Counselling website for
information on services offered. http://huronuc.ca/students/service_