• R. N. Brock, Excerpt from Proverbs of Ashes
• W. Dean, excerpt from The American Spiritual culture
• M. Gibbs, "Spiritual Darkness and Hip-Hop" from Everything But the Burden (editor, Tate)
• R. M. Griffith, "Submissive Wives, Wounded Daughters, and Female Soldiers" from Lived Religion in America (editor Hall)
• H. Richard Niebuhr, excerpt from Christ and Culture
• G. E. Tinker, excerpt from Spirit and Resistance
• R. Wuthnow, excerpt from After Heaven

Class Process:
In order to engage this course in the most exciting way, we will use a variety of scholarly approaches to consider dynamics between cultures and religions. We may operate occasionally as a seminar, there will be small group work and student panels; lectures will be designed to enhance the process. It is expected that each student will come to class with any assignments or readings of the day completed, prepared to participate in the discussions.

Starting Norms for the class: (initial list; more to be added the first day, if desired)
1. We will fully listen to and respect the experiences and feelings of others.
2. We will work together as co-learners.
3. ????

The Importance of Writing:

College level writing is critically important for this class. Your grade for the class will be at risk if you hand in late assignments, un-typed papers (except for in class assignments), plagiarized, undeveloped, etc. If you have any concerns about your own writing, make an appointment at the writing center.

Papers must be typed, double-spaced. Handwritten papers will not be accepted. When needed, you must use a notation format -- MLA, Chicago, APA -- consistently throughout any paper. In addition, poor grammar and spelling can be grounds for lowering a grade. The aim in these restrictions is to develop college level, critically sharp papers that (really!) say what you mean them to say.

Because of the relationship of reading, with class work, with group discussions, late papers are seldom accepted.

Class requirements/assignments:

• Attendance and participation are as critical as remaining current with the reading assignments. Part of the work will be in small groups (no larger than 4 people) so that your classmates will also depend on your punctuality and preparedness.
• Write a short paper, no longer than two typewritten pages, that discusses your experiences of religion and culture. (10 points)
• Draw a chart that will show the different relationships between culture and Christ according to Niebuhr. Due August 31. (15 points)
• For two days, observe the division of labor in your household. Who is doing what? How often? Offer a tentative explanation for that division of labor. Write a short paper (no more than 2 pages) to discuss your conclusions. Due September 16. (10 points)
• Each small group will offer one presentation during the term. There are three choices: on televangelists; on hip-hop, media, and youth culture; or on America's national spirituality. (All students are responsible for the assigned readings in each of these sections, even if not part of a small group.) Groups will have opportunities to choose the presentation they will do on August 26. The content of presentations will be discussed in class. The number of presentations on any one topic will be evenly divided among the groups, so for example, if there are 12 groups, each topic will have 4 presentations. While you are expected to work as a team, each person in the group receives an individual grade for the work done. Due dates for the different presentations listed below. (25 points)
• Each student is responsible for watching one televangelist program over the weekend of September 24-25. Although there will be small group presentations on televangelists, all students should be able to participate in related discussions.
• Each student must attend one of the Department of Religious Studies events. Choose one according to your schedule. All events are in November: 3, 15, or 16. More details on each of these in class. Each student will then write a response paper about the event. These response papers are due in the week after the event is held. (10 points)
• In connection with the Tinker essay, view one American film that depicts Native Americans. Be prepared to discuss your conclusions on October 19.
• The final exam/paper will use The Power of One, in-class exercises, and the readings that you select from the course to define relationships needed between and for religions and cultures today. We will discuss this content in greater detail in class. This final paper is due no later than December 4. (30 points)

Note: empty spaces refer to continued discussion/work! Schedule is also subject to change, and these will be announced in class.

Aug.	19	Introduction
	22	Defining terms -- culture, religion, theology, and spirituality
	24	Reading: Brock excerpt
	26	Written assignment: Your story Your group selects PRESENTATION today.
	30	Reading: Niebuhr excerpt
	31	Charts based on Niebuhr due today
Sep.	2	Defining contemporary contexts of religions and cultures
	5	Labor Day
	7	Reading: Wuthnow excerpt
	9
	12	Gender as category: reading Griffith essay
	14
	16	Observations: Household labor distribution
	19	Relationships: work and belief
	21
	23	Checking in: religions and cultures
	26	Televangelist watch
	28	Group presentations on televangelists
	30
Oct.	3	Youth as category: Gibbs essay
	5	Group presentations on hip hop, media, youth culture
	7
	10
	12	Tinker excerpt
	14	NO CLASS, FALL BREAK
	17	Portrayal of Native Americans
	19	Religion in America and questions of spiritual culture: Dean excerpt
	21
	24	Group presentations: America's spirituality
	26
	28	Study of elements of relationships between religions and cultures: Elizondo
	31
Nov.	2
	4
	7	Exercise (to be defined in class)
	9
	11
	14	S. Abdullah
	16
	18
	21	No classes this week
	23
	25	Happy Thanksgiving!
	28
	30
Dec.	2	Defining relationships and needs: religions and cultures for this time