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Chicago Forum on Pedagogy and the Study of Religion
Proposal abstract :
A three year forum of plenary talks, panel discussions and graduate student workshops on issues surrounding the teaching of the academic subject of religion to undergraduates in a liberal arts environment.
Learning Abstract :
The project was designed as a three-year forum of plenary talks (Wabash Center lectures), conferences, and graduate student workshops on issues surrounding the teaching of the academic subject of religion to undergraduates in a liberal arts environment. Each year a theme was identified in order to prompt extended discussion in the forum and promote ongoing conversation about specific topics. Two goals were identified as primary aims for the forum. The first was to start a discussion within the University of Chicago community about specific challenges and opportunities associated with teaching undergraduate students about religion. The second goal involved providing a locus for graduate students to consider questions highlighted during the forums in an "inspiring, practical, and meaningful way."
Through the grant, participants were able to reflect on and practice different design methods and models for teaching and learning. Topics and issues included: teaching and diversity, portfolio development, comparative methods and teaching religion, teaching an introductory course in religious studies, self as teacher, student religious experience in the classroom, etc. The series of forums, conferences, workshops, and meetings aided fellows involved with the Forum to develop skills as critically reflective teachers. Graduate students regarded the experience of involvement as highly beneficial. In addition, a number of additional outcomes have emerged from the grant – formation of a discussion panel on pedagogy at the 2004 Midwest AAR meeting, publication of a special issue of Criterion http://marty-center.uchicago.edu/fellows/chicagoforum.shtml, and an ongoing student developed workshop on pedagogy.
A three year forum of plenary talks, panel discussions and graduate student workshops on issues surrounding the teaching of the academic subject of religion to undergraduates in a liberal arts environment.
Learning Abstract :
The project was designed as a three-year forum of plenary talks (Wabash Center lectures), conferences, and graduate student workshops on issues surrounding the teaching of the academic subject of religion to undergraduates in a liberal arts environment. Each year a theme was identified in order to prompt extended discussion in the forum and promote ongoing conversation about specific topics. Two goals were identified as primary aims for the forum. The first was to start a discussion within the University of Chicago community about specific challenges and opportunities associated with teaching undergraduate students about religion. The second goal involved providing a locus for graduate students to consider questions highlighted during the forums in an "inspiring, practical, and meaningful way."
Through the grant, participants were able to reflect on and practice different design methods and models for teaching and learning. Topics and issues included: teaching and diversity, portfolio development, comparative methods and teaching religion, teaching an introductory course in religious studies, self as teacher, student religious experience in the classroom, etc. The series of forums, conferences, workshops, and meetings aided fellows involved with the Forum to develop skills as critically reflective teachers. Graduate students regarded the experience of involvement as highly beneficial. In addition, a number of additional outcomes have emerged from the grant – formation of a discussion panel on pedagogy at the 2004 Midwest AAR meeting, publication of a special issue of Criterion http://marty-center.uchicago.edu/fellows/chicagoforum.shtml, and an ongoing student developed workshop on pedagogy.