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840:212:02 Religions of the Western World

Spring 2002   

Pavlin

 

Time and Place: TTh 4th period (1:10-2:30) SC 203/CAC

Instructor: Dr. James Pavlin

Office: Loree Bldg. 130, DC, (732) 932-2107 (office phone and voice mail); email: jpavlin@hotmail.com

Office Hours: T Th 11:00-12:00, or by appointment

 

Course Description: The purpose of the course is to introduce the student to the academic study of religion by focusing on the monotheistic religions of the Near Eastern and Western traditions. After reviewing current methodologies and concepts related to the study of religion, the course will focus on the scriptures, beliefs and practices of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Each religion will be studied with particular attention paid to readings of primary sources related to historical developments in terms of theology, philosophy and mysticism.

 

Required Text: Kessler, Gary E. Western Ways of Being Religious.

 

Recommended Texts on Reserve at Alexander Library:

Grant, Michael. The History of Ancient Israel.

Peters, F.E. Jerusalem: the holy city in the eyes of chroniclers, visitors, pilgrims, and prophets from the days of Abraham to the beginnings of modern times.

                  . Judaism, Christianity, and Islam: the classical texts and their interpretation, 3 vols.

Sanders, E.P. The Historical Figure of Jesus.

Waines, David. An Introduction to Islam.

 

Website Resources accessible through the Dept. of Religion Homepage:

Virtual Religion Index, SSCR Website, Into His Own, Synoptic Primer

 

Course Requirements:

1) Class Attendance and Participation: 20% of final grade. Students are expected to contribute to class discussions. Material covered in class may be included on exams. Quizzes or other assignments may be given occasionally, without the possibility of make ups. In order to receive an excused absence,

students must present a written note (from doctor, etc.).

2) Three Topical Papers: 40% of final grade. Each paper must have a cover page and bibliography. There must be a minimum of 4 pages of text (about 250 words per page). Students will do one paper on each of the three religions covered in the course, i.e., Judaism, Christianity and Islam. They may choose a topic related to the readings in Kessler’s book. Spelling, grammar and writing style will be considered in grading. Papers should be in standard format: typed on white paper (8 1/2 x 11) with 1 in. margins and double-spaced, plain font, black ink. All papers must be handed in on their due date, late papers will be accepted from students having an excused absence.

3) Midterm and Final Exams: each 20% of final grade. Both exams will be in class essay and/or short answer exams, the midterm covering the first half of the semester and the final covering the second half. Make up exams are permitted for those having an excused absence.

 

Grading System: A=100-90, B+=89-87, B=86-80, C+=79-77, C=76-70, D=69-65, F=64 and below

An incomplete (“T” grade) for this course will be given for exceptional cases. Students must consult with me prior to the end of the semester.

Course Outline and Reading Assignments:

Introduction to the Study of Religion

1/22 Kessler, ch. 1

1/24 Kessler, ch. 2

1/29 Kessler, ch. 3

The Israelites

1/31 Kessler, ch. 4 (Intro. through 4.2.1)

2/5   Kessler, ch. 4 (4.2.2 through 4.2.3)

2/7   Kessler, ch. 4 (4.3 through 4.3.1)

2/12 Kessler, ch. 4 (4.3.2 through 4.3.3)

Medieval Judaism

2/14   Kessler, ch. 4 (4.4 through 4.4.1)

2/19   Kessler, ch. 4 (4.4.2 through 4.4.3)

Modern Judaism:

2/21 Kessler, ch. 4 (4.5 through 4.5.2)

2/26 Kessler, ch. 4 (4.5.3 through 4.7)

2/28                midterm exam

Early Christianity

3/5  Kessler, ch. 5 (5.1, 5.2, and 5.2.2 through 5.2.3)                       1st paper due 3/5

3/7  Kessler, ch. 5 (5.2.1, and 5.2.4)

3/12 Kessler, ch. 5 (5.2.5 through 5.2.6)

Medieval Christianity

3/14   Kessler, ch. 5 (5.3 through 5.3.2, and 5.6)

(3/19, 3/21         Spring Break)

3/26   Kessler, ch. 5 (5.3.3)

3/28   Kessler, ch. 5 (5.4 through 5.4.2)

Modern Christianity

4/2   Kessler, ch. 5 (5.5 through 5.5.3)

4/4   Kessler, ch. 5 (5.5.4, and 5.7)

Early Islam:

4/9   Kessler, ch. 6 (6.1 through 6.2)                                          2nd paper due 4/9

4/11 Kessler, ch. 6 (6.2.1)

4/16 Kessler, ch. 6 (6.2.2)

Medieval Islam

4/18 Kessler, ch. 6 (6.3 through 6.3.1)

4/23 Kessler, ch. 6 (6.3.2)

4/25 Kessler, ch. 6 (6.3.3)

Modern Islam

4/30 Kessler, ch. 6 (6.4 through 6.4.2)

5/2   Kessler, ch. 6 (6.5 through 6.6)

5/7 & 8    reading periods                                                    3rd paper due 5/8 (due in Dept. of Religion by 12 noon)

5/13         final exam (8:00-10:00 am)

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This page was revised 1 July 2001