UNC Charlotte • J Murrey Atkins
Library & Department of Religion Studies • Course Web Page Introduction to Religious Studies
RELS 1101- L,V,W
Spring 2002
UNC Charlotte • J Murrey Atkins
Library & Department of Religion Studies • Course Web Page Instructor: Ms Celia Brewer Marshall
Office: Macy 213
Phone:704-687-3378
Email: acmssm@aol.com
Office Hours: MW 10:00-11:00Course Description:
The purpose of RS 1101 LVW is to introduce you to the broad range of ways humans experience and describe the sacred. We will begin by looking (briefly) at a few of the world’s major religious traditions noting their historical origins, key ideas, and practices. We will look at them from an insider’s point of view seeking to understand and not to criticize or evaluate truth claims. We will also read and discuss what some contemporary theologians have to say about some topics and issues of faith. You will write frequently in order to show your understanding of the assigned readings. You will also write in order to clarify your own position, values and beliefs. Last but not least, the small group experience is a vital component of this course. You will spend one full class period each week with your small group.
As a course that meets General Education requirements for L,V, and W, you can expect to use literature (sacred texts, other primary sources, secondary sources) to aid you in recognizing the assumptions, beliefs, and values underlying a variety of religious traditions as well as the values underlying your own conduct. The unexamined life is not worth living, Aristotle said, and we aim to make sure that you have an opportunity to make that examination. You will show your understanding of the literature and your appreciation for the importance of values by writing frequently. You will be expected to write with clarity and attention to detail, honesty and a strong personal voice.
Texts:
Michael Molloy’s Experiencing the World’s Religions (EWR), second edition, McGraw Hill 2001.
Lawrence Cunningham and John Kelsay's The Sacred Quest, third edition, Prentice Hall 2002.
Margaret Edson's "Wit."
All other literature can be read online. Here is the address for my course page on the UNCC Atkins Library website: http://libweb.uncc.edu/ref-arts/religion/rels1101.htm There you will find the schedule for assigned readings and hotlinks taking you to them. Be grateful that you do not have to buy tons of primary sources, xerox a fat coursepack, or even shuffle yourself over to the Reserve Reading room. Take yourself out to a nice dinner instead with my compliments.
Requirements:
Attendance. Being there and being prepared: these are the important tasks. Attendance is required. You are allowed two absences without penalty. Subsequent absences, for whatever reason (and you need not tell me), will affect your grade to the tune of two points off your final average per absence. The only exception to this rule comes when the university notifies me of your absence on UNC-C letterhead. Perfect attendance earns you two points onto your final average. That’s right—an 88 final average becomes an A.
Journals.You are also expected to make a journal entry each week of two pages (at least). Doubling up on entries is not allowed: if you write five entries in one week, you will get credit for that week’s entry only, while skipping a week means skipping an entire entry. These writings will not be graded but they will be collected periodically and counted. The number of weekly entries corresponds to points added to or subtracted from your final average. If you write every week, you will be awarded two extra points to the final. For every week you miss, one point will be subtracted from your final grade.
Daily Writings. Except for small group days (typically Fridays), every class will begin with a short graded piece on the assigned reading. My purpose here is (1) to focus the class discussion for that day and have everyone on board, (2) to give you practice with writing short pieces (usually one paragraph) clearly and cogently, and (3) to give you credit for preparing the reading assignment. These quizzes will count 50% of your final grade.
Essays. There will be three major essays to be written in class using blue books. The topics will be given beforehand and the essays are “open book." Each has a slightly different and increasingly sophisticated objective, moving from comparison essays to a final personal position paper. Altogether these writings count 50% of your final grade.
There is no final exam. You are welcome.
Back to RELS1101
maintained by Celia Marshall, instructor Dept. of Religious Studies
email:Acmssm@aol.com
last modified: August 20, 2001
©J. Murrey Atkins Library, University of North Carolina Charlotte