COURSE SYLLABUS
INTRODUCTION TO RELIGION
RELI 1003
DEPARTMENT OF RELIGION
THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
FALL: 2008
Professor: Ibigbolade Simon Aderibigbe Ph.D.
Office: Peabody, Rm. 20 (Basement)
Phone: 706-583-0362, Cell.704-749-4771
E-mail: iaderibi@uga.edu
Class Hours: Teu&Th. (Group 1); 9: 30 -10: 45 am, Rm. 219A
Ò (Group 2); 11 am – 12:15 pm, Rm.205S
Office Hours: Teu.&Th. 12:30-2 pm.
Course Description: This course is designed essentially to introduce students to Religion as an academic field of study. Consequently it is a non confessional engagement. It is basically to explore religion as a phenomenon, within the context of its complex diversities, thus enhancing its understanding. This understanding takes into consideration, the theoretical, methodical, and practical dynamics of religion, both as a universal and institutionalized phenomenon. For effective coverage, the content of the course is divided into three parts. These are: 1. General Introduction to Religion as a universal phenomenon. 2. Approaches in the study of Religion. 3. Institutionalized Religion. (Details can be found under course schedule).
Course Objectives: Within the confines of the course description, the basic objectives of the course shall be:
(i) General Objective: the overall objective of this course is to introduce the students to the definition, origin and why the study of religion. It is also to facilitate studentsÕ understanding of different approaches in studying religion. In addition students will be given introductory insight into some institutionalized Religions.
(ii) Instructional Objective: At the end of the semester, students enrolled in the course should:
1. Be familiar with issues of definition, origin and benefits of studying religion.
2. Be familiar with and appreciate different approaches of studying religion (e. g. Philosophical, Sociological)
3. Have considerable understanding and appreciation of the basic philosophical and theological beliefs of major institutionalized Religions studied in the Class.
4. Have an overall appreciation of religion, not only as a social phenomenon, but also from the perspective of diversity of commitment and toleration in its practice.
Instructional Method: The course objective will be achieved through series of engagements. The basic ones being: lectures by the professor, class discussion, pre-class readings, and studentsÕ individual and group assignments. These will be supported at different points, and when possible, with guest lectures, videos etc.
Required Texts:
1. Deming Will; Rethinking Religion: A Concise Introduction.(Oxford University Press)
2. Hall, William T., Pilgrim, Richard B., Cavanagh, Roland K. Religion: An Introduction. (Happer&Row)
3. Smith Wilfred Cantwell; The Meaning and End of Religion.(Fortress Press)
4. Eliade Mircea ; The Sacred and the Profane (Happer& Row)
NB.: Other relevant texts, such as books, Journals, or, and materials will be assigned from time to time.
Requirements: Students who enrolled for this course are expected to:
- Attend classes regularly and punctually
- Stay the duration of the class
- Participate in class discussions
- Make comments and ask questions
- Read assigned materials before class
- Submit all assignments given and take all the tests.
NB.:
1. Make-up assignments, tests, and late submissions and absence from class are subject only to pre- permissions (except emergencies that must be substantiated).
2. Honesty Policy: All academic work must meet the standard contained in UGA Ò A Culture of HonestyÓ. All students are responsible to inform themselves about these standards before performing any academic work.
Course Format and Grading: There will be periodical quizzes of 20 minutes duration at different points during the course. (Students will be pre- informed).There will be a major test at mid- semester. A term paper will be required. There will also be a group assignment. The quizzes will carry a total of 15 points,10 points will be awarded for the term paper, the group assignment will attract 15 points, the mid-semester will have 20 points, attendance ( attendance will be taken at each class), and class contribution will attract 10 points, and the final Examination will carry 30 points. At the end of the course the grading scale shall be as follows:
90% and above ======== A (Excellent)
86% - 89% ======== A- ( Ò )
83% -85% ======== B+ (Good)
80%-84% ======== B ( Ò )
76%- 79% ========= B- ( Ò )
73% -75% ========= C+ (Satisfactory)
70% -72% ========= C ( Ò )
66% -69% ========= C- ( Ò )
60% - 65% ========== D (Pass)
Bellow 60% ========== F (Failure)
Course Schedule:
PART ONE.
Week One: Teu; Introduction to Course, overview of syllabus, and course requirement.
Th. = on definitions of Religion.
Week Two: Teu. = on definitions of Religion. cont.
Th. = on origin of religion (theories)
Week Three: Teu. = theories on origin of Religion. cont.
Th. = study of Religion
Week Four: Teu. = study of Religion. cont.
Th. = Religious symbols
PART TWO.
Week Five: Tue. = Review of contents of part one.
Th. = Philosophical approach.
Week Six: Tue. = Philosophical approach cont.
Th. = Philosophical approach cont.
Week Seven: Teu. = Mid – Semester Test.
Th. = Sociological approach.
Week Eight: Teu. = Sociological approach cont.
Th. = Sociological approach cont.
Week Nine: Teu. = Comparative approach.
Th. = Comparative approach cont.
Week Ten: Teu. = Comparative approach cont.
Th. = Review of contents of part two.
PART THREE. Introduction to Major Religious Traditions
Week Eleven: Teu. = Overview of Institutionalized Religions.
Th. = Judeo-Christian Tradition – Judaism, Christianity.
Week Twelve: Teu. = Judaism, Christianity cont.
Th. = Asiatic Traditions- Hinduism, Buddhism etc.
Week Thirteen: Teu. = Islamic Tradition / Indigenous Traditions
Th. = Islamic Tradition/ Indigenous Traditions cont.
Week Fourteen: Revisions and make – ups.
Week Fifteen: Final Examination