840:212:01 Religions of the Western World T Th 4 (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 F 10:00-11:00, 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, students are fully responsible to arrange for make ups with me directly. In order to receive an excused absence, students must present a written note (from doctor, etc.).
2) Three Topical Papers: 50% 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 must 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 without a grade deduction only from students having an excused absence. All other late papers will lose one full grade.
3) Final Exam: 30% of final grade. The exam will be an in-class essay and/or short answer exam, covering the entire semester. A make up exam will be permitted only in the case of extreme emergency. Students must make arrangements for the make up exam with the secretary at the Department of Religion. The student will receive a “TF” grade until a grade change submission is made.
Grading System: A=100-90, B+=89-87, B=86-80, C+=79-77, C=76-70,
D=69-65, F=64 and below.
Course Outline and Reading Assignments:
Introduction to the Study of Religion
1/21 Kessler, ch. 1
1/23 Kessler, ch. 2
1/28 Kessler, ch. 3
The Israelites and Early Judaism
1/30 Kessler, ch. 4 (Intro. through 4.2.1)
2/4 Kessler, ch. 4 (4.2.2 through 4.2.3)
2/6 Kessler, ch. 4 (4.3 through 4.3.1)
2/11 Kessler, ch. 4 (4.3.2 through 4.3.3)
Medieval Judaism
2/13 Kessler, ch. 4 (4.4 through 4.4.1)
2/18 Kessler, ch. 4 (4.4.2 through 4.4.3)
Modern Judaism:
2/20 Kessler, ch. 4 (4.5 through 4.5.2)
2/25 Kessler, ch. 4 (4.5.3 through 4.7)
Early Christianity
2/27 Kessler, ch. 5 (5.1 through 5.2.1)
3/4 Kessler, ch. 5 (5.2.2) 1st paper due 3/4
3/6 Kessler, ch. 5 (5.2.3 through 5.2.4)
3/11 Kessler, ch. 5 (5.2.5 through 5.2.6)
Medieval Christianity
3/13 Kessler, ch. 5 (5.3 through 5.3.2)
Spring Break
3/25 Kessler, ch. 5 (5.3.3)
3/27 class camcelled
4/1 Kessler, ch. 5 (5.4 through 5.4.2)
Modern Christianity
4/3 Kessler, ch. 5 (5.5 through 5.5.3)
4/8 Kessler, ch. 5 (5.5.4 through 5.7)
Early Islam:
4/10 Kessler, ch. 6 (6.1 through 6.2)
4/15 Kessler, ch. 6 (6.2.1) 2nd paper due 4/15
4/17 Kessler, ch. 6 (6.2.2)
Medieval Islam
4/22 Kessler, ch. 6 (6.3 through 6.3.1)
4/24 Kessler, ch. 6 (6.3.2 through 6.3.3)
Modern Islam
4/29 Kessler, ch. 6 (6.4 through 6.4.2)
5/1 Kessler, ch. 6 (6.5 through 6.6)
5/2 3rd paper due (delivered to Dept. of Religion by 12 noon)
5/6 & 7 reading periods
Tues. 5/13 8:00-11:00 final exam