Please be respectful of all religions in this class, old and new. Be curious, but leave your prejudices outside. Practice "Epoce", the Greek word, "bracketing", the leaving aside of your own beliefs in order to try and understand someone else's beliefs. Please be respectful, as well, of each other and each other's ideas and questions. No question is out of place, but be conscious of how you ask.

Required Texts:
Carter, Stephen L. Integrity. New York: HarperPerennial, 1997.

Hallie, Philip. Lest Innocent Blood Be Shed: The Story of the Village of Le Chambon and How Goodness Happened There. NY: HarperPerennial, 1994 (Org. Publ. 1979).

Noss, David S. A History of the World's Religions. 11th ed. Prentice Hall, 2003.

Assignments:
Midterm: 30%
Final: 30%
Reaction Papers (2, 15% each): 30%
Ritual Paper: 10%

Reaction Papers:
Write 3-4 pages on each of the books by Carter and Hallie. Tell me what you learned, what you found interesting, and what agree and disagree with in their works.

Ritual Paper:
You must attend a ritual of your choice (we will talk about appropriate ones in class), which are preferably not of your own religious tradition (the assignment will be easier, trust me). Your paper will have 2 parts.

First, describe what you saw, heard, and felt. Look around you: Is there a focal point in the room? Does the architecture point up or down? Is there a pulpit, pictures, objects? Watch the actions of the people. What do they do? Do they act differently before or after the ritual? Discuss some of the details of the ritual: What are the basics of what happened? You do no have to know what they mean, just use your power of observation.

Second, using only what you have learned in class and in our readings, analyze the symbolism of the ritual. Are there sounds - bells, organ, singing - to emphasize certain aspects of the ritual? How do the symbols, architecture, colors, sounds, etc. work to emphasize certain actions, people, times, or spaces? Is there a high point? When is the sacred time over? Realize that some rituals do not follow the classic pattern of entry, high point, exit - does the ritual you attended? Does it follow any of the patterns?

Use epoce in your writing. Do not judge what you see; act as a reporter or as an observer in a foreign country. Be respectful during your visit. Most religious groups do not mind visitors, especially students, but you might call ahead for the times of worship or gathering. Arrive early and watch what people do as they arrive. Ask about the appropriate clothing (some may insist on covering your head, shoulders, or for women to wear dresses). Be a good ambassador of our class. Any religious ritual that interests you will be good for this assignment. I have had students attend witch ceremonies, the Catholic Mass, Indian rain dances and many others. Have fun.

About 5-6 pages.

Schedule:

The first half of the course is devoted to defining "religion", a discussion of phenomenology, and a history of the study of religions. The second half is a basic overview of the five major religions of the world: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Throughout the course, we also look at morals and ethics, civility and integrity, and love and hatred.