The pervasive mutual influence of modern (Western) culture and (Abrahamic) religion upon each other--focussing on the three religions "of the Book." Format: discussion of a succession of topics selected for broad interest and application. Theory of “revealed” religion, the Holocaust/Shoah, the influence of the Puritans in America, "fundamentalisms" both Christian and Islamic, the Qur’an, “intelligent design,” the qualities and kinds of "love" defined in our culture, Freud’s view of religion.
Emphasis not on mastery of facts (though facts help) or on the writing of formal research papers, but rather on thoughtful presentation of your own considered responses to the varied course materials. Testing by choice of pre-announced essay questions. You will be evaluated on your ability to analyze texts or issues, to think and judge for yourself, and to organize effective essay answers and “op-ed” pieces. Participation in class discussion will have a non-quantifiable impact upon the final grade.
Readings are to be completed for discussion on the days indicated. Regular attendance expected. Keep up. Contribute to class.
| week 1 |
• Introduction |
| week 2 |
•“Revealed religion” theory, Holocaust issues |
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• Holocaust issues |
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• Holocaust issues (cont.) |
| week 3 |
• Labor Day -- no class
——Month of Ramadan fasting begins (Year 1429) – Sept. 2 in North America |
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• This Way for the Gas |
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• Video: "Memory of the Camps" (British Army film, 1945) |
| week 4 |
• This Way for the Gas , Paul Celan’s “Death Fugue” (handout) |
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• Video (to be decided) – Holocaust Op-Ed Article due
|
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• Puritanism in America |
| week 5 |
• The Crucible -- Quiz |
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• The Crucible |
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• The Crucible |
| week 6 |
• Fundamentalism: definitions, history |
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• Fundamentalism: definitions, history |
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• Case Study #1: Creation Science, Argument for/from Design
——Lailat ul-Qadr (Night of Power): Mohammad’s first revelation |
| week 7 |
• Video: Trial in Arkansas, 1980
——Rosh Hashanah (New Year 5769) begins at sundown |
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• Case Study #2: rift in the SBC
——Eid al-Fitr: last day of Ramadan – Oct. 2 in North America |
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• Video: W.A. Criswell, Paige Patterson, 1st Church Dallas |
| week 8 |
• Video: Bill Moyers on the rift in the Southern Baptist Convention
|
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• Mid-Term
——Yom Kippur (Day of Repentance) begins at sundown |
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Fall Break
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| week 9 |
• "Civil Religion" theory |
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• Introduction to Islam, The Koran (Qur'an), selections |
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• Video: the Hajj |
| week 10 |
• The Koran (Qur'an) , selections |
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• The Koran (Qur'an) , selections |
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• Excerpts: The Messenger, starring Anthony Quinn (only commercial film on the life of Muhammad)
Op-Ed Article due |
| week 11 |
• Guest speaker |
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• Video: Leila Ahmed on opportunities of women in Islam |
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•Koran/Qur'an, other issues |
| week 12 |
• The Future of an Illusion |
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• The Future of an Illusion |
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• The Future of an Illusion |
| week 13 |
• The Future of an Illusion |
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• The Future of an Illusion |
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• Video: “Sigmund Freud” (A&E Biography) |
| week 14 |
• Romantic and Courtly Love Wisdom |
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• Romantic and Courtly Love Wisdom |
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• Tristan and Iseult |
| week 15 |
• Tristan and Iseult |
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• Biblical Christian Love "Wisdom" |
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• Biblical Christian Love "Wisdom"
——Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Dec. 6-11 |
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Final Exam (9:00 - 11:00 a.m.)
——Feast of the Immaculate Conception |
Note: The course is on Blackboard (online), reachable by using a Web browser to go to the login screen: http://blackboard.sc.edu. To log in and proceed to your “My USC” screen you will need a userid and password. At the “My USC” screen click on the number: title of this course. Initially, I have put this syllabus up (under “course documents”), and the site will develop as interest and need dictate.