University of South Carolina Department of Religious Studies

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RELG E491D: The DaVinci Code

Professor: Dr. Cheryl B. Rhodes
tel: (803) 345-3325
email: cherylrhodes@bellsouth.net
.
 		Spring 2010



I do not have an office on campus, however, I am always available to meet with you before class. I check my email regularly and you can contact me in that way at any time

Course Description

Not since the production of the film The Last Temptation of Christ in 1988 has a work of fiction caused as much uproar in the Christian community as did Dan Brown’s The DaVinci Code. It may indeed be the case that a work of fiction has never been given as much hype as this one has received. People seem to be enthralled by this 2003 novel that dominated the best seller list for over two years. The film, directed by Ron Howard, was released in 2006. More than a dozen books have been written that either discredit or support the information Brown presents to his readers. ABC first produced a special program on The DaVinci Code focusing on the alleged marriage of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Since that time, numerous T.V. programs and DVDs have followed. All of this is cause of interest from a religious studies’ perspective.

After a thorough reading and discussion of the novel, students will evaluate the cause of the uproar and critically investigate allegations made both by and about Brown and his book. We will go from the halls of the Louvre to the halls of the Vatican as we study such topics as Mary Magdalene and the role of women in the early Church, the Opus Dei, the Priory of Sion, the Knight Templars, the Holy Grail, the Humanity versus the Divinity of Jesus, Gnostic writings, the Council of Nicea, and Leonardo DaVinci.

Because of the diversity of information that will be presented in this course, guest lecturers will assist in our quest via videotape. Lecturers are: Dr. Arne Flaten, art historian and Professor at Coastal Carolina University, who will speak on Leonardo DaVinci and the Last Supper painting, and Dr. Eliza Glaze, History Professor at Coastal Carolina University, who will lecture on Women in the Early Church.

Brown said during an interview, "My hope in writing this novel was that the story would serve as a catalyst and a springboard for people to discuss the important topics of faith, religion, and history." Indeed it has.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, you should be able to:
  1. understand the significance of the religious organizations depicted in the novel;
  2. discuss the explanations of the Holy Grail given throughout history;
  3. understand the Biblical, extra canonical information, tradition, and conjecture about Mary Magdalene;
  4. have a better understanding of Leonardo DaVinci and his painting of the last supper;
  5. grasp the importance of Constantine and the Council of Nicea and the struggle to explain the humanity and divinity of Jesus;
  6. comprehend the nature of goddess worship and women in the early Church;
  7. and, evaluate the allegations of and about the novel.
Secondary Learning Outcomes
Although our main objective is to analyze religious information presented in The DaVinci Code, there are several other objectives which naturally flow from this:
1. To analyze data, and to reach and form opinions, about religious matters based upon reliable sources;
2. To develop an awareness of the problems involved in obtaining reliable sources when doing religious studies research; and,
3. To form an educated opinion about the use of religion in fiction.

Course Oddities and Requirements

  1. Everyone begins this class with an A (100 pts).


  2. Class attendance is mandatory and 5 pts. will be subtracted for each unexcused absence. If you must miss a class, you are responsible for the material that was covered.


  3. Blackboard is an integral part of this course. You will find bibliographies, a copy of the syllabus, and other documents and forums related to class there. You are required to participate in the Discussion Board at least once a week. For any week you do not participate, you will receive –5 points.


  4. You are required to research items and present your research results to the class. The number of items required will depend upon the class size. Some items are more complicated than others; we will divide the items up in an equitable manner. Please note: your research item should contain how it is used in The DaVinci Code. You will compile what you have discovered in written form to be submitted to the Instructor no later than the evening before the class in which you are to present your results. You will be expected to present what you have researched to the class and the Instructor will post your information on Blackboard. If you have a problem with public speaking, please notify the Instructor in advance. Failure to submit a research item to the Instructor on time will result in = -5 points from your grade; failure to do your research item = -25 points.


  5. It is assumed that because you have registered for this course you are an inquisitive student who has a thirst for knowledge, a desire for truth, and are motivated to study and learn. You are expected to do all of the assignments, to think theologically, and to contribute to class discussions.


  6. There may be an occasional pop quiz to be sure you are motivated to learn the material. Failure to pass the quiz will result in -5 points.


  7. Your final exam will assess your ability to reach a conclusion about what you have learned. You will be allowed to use the novel and your class notes. Success on the exam means that no points will be subtracted from your grade. The exam is worth 25 points.

Textbooks

    Dan Brown’s The DaVinci Code
    Recommended: Dan Burstein’s Breaking the Code

Grading Scheme

Attendance 15% (-1 pt. for each class missed)
Blackboard Discussion 10% (1 pt. for each of 10 of the 15 weeks of class)
Research 50%
Final Exam 25%

Grading will be on a 100-point scale as follows: A = 90-100 / B+ = 87-89/ B = 80-86 / C+ = 77-79 / C = 70-76 / D+ = 67-69 / D= 60-66 / F = 59 or less

The Instructor reserves the right to change the syllabus when it is believed it will be beneficial to you.



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