RELI 8700: SEMINAR IN PROBLEMS AND TOPICS IN RELIGIOUS RESEARCH

Dr. Sandy Dwayne Martin, Professor

Various Faculty, Research Supervising Professors

Department of Religion - UGA Name ____________________________

Room 213, Peabody Hall - (706) 542-5356 Date _______________________________

martin@uga.edu

Office Hours: M, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.; Tu/Th/Fri, 2:00-3:30

Spring Semester 2008

Course Description and Goals

This course is a research seminar focused on major issues in religion research. Topics vary according to the area of discussion and research. Various areas are encompassed based on the research interests of class participants. Those areas might include: biblical or scriptural studies, religious history and philosophy, rabbinics, Islamic studies, Buddhism, and canonical criticism. Objectives of this course include

(a) gaining a broader and expanding understanding of religion and

religion research;

(b) augmenting research and writing skills;

(c) increasing skills in oral presentation and defense of research;

(d) the relevance of religion for understanding contemporary humanity and culture;

(e) exposure to research of and engagement in discussion of research topics

and concerns beyond one's own field of specialty;

(f) an increased understanding of the nature, significance, and methodologies of the academic study of religion

Required Texts/Readings

There is no one required text for this class. Since this is a research seminar, each student, in consultation with the supervising instructor, will select a substantial and appropriate list of research and/or reading bibliography.

Course Requirements, Grading Formula, and Attendance Policy

A. Requirements / Grading Formula / Grading Scale

The respective supervising instructors in consultation with the professor-coordinator of the class will assign grades for students working under their immediate supervision. Please consult with the supervising instructor to make sure you fully comprehend how he or she will assess your performance. It is generally expected, however, that attendance at all class sessions, on-going and consistent research activity throughout the semester, consultation with the supervising instructor, the longer and shorter versions of the research paper, the oral presentation response and the response to questions and observations, promptness in every class matter, and professionalism will all be factors in the assignment of grades.

In addition to, and in elaboration on, some of the points above, remember that each student should meet with his/her supervising research faculty at least THREE times during the semester, submit a formal proposal for semester research, make a brief oral and written presentation of progress around the middle of the term, submit both a long and short versions of your research paper to the supervising faculty AND the coordinating professor, deliver an oral presentation of research and professionally handle questions and concerns, make necessary corrections/changes/additions/etc. to the longer paper and submit the final form to the supervising instructor (and to the coordinating instructor if he requests), and submit a summary sheet of one's semester research with supervising instructor's signature.

Professors in the department might vary regarding the numerical values they attach to the following grades: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, and F. Please consult your immediate research supervising instructor to ascertain particulars regarding this matter.

B. Attendance and Further Comments on Requirements and Grading:

In sum, it is required that all students shall attend class regularly and promptly, and for the duration of the course, do all assigned readings and other assignments, participate in class discussions, and fulfill any other reasonable or normal requirements.

Consistent with the instructor's own educational philosophy and the rules and regulations of the University of Georgia, attendance, regular and prompt, and for the entire duration of the class sessions, is required. Students who have unavoidable appointments or unavoidable obligations that require their absence during any portion of the class time should see the professor prior to or as soon after the date of the appointment/obligation as possible because under no circumstances whatsoever should students leave class before it is dismissed by the professor. Students who cannot stay for the entire class session must miss that class session rather than leave during class time. Failure to abide by this policy will result in being marked absent for the entire class session and removal from class if the professor believes such becomes necessary.

An excused absence is a written notice, verification, etc. indicating that a student’s absence was unavoidable or reasonably necessary based on circumstances beyond his or her control.

Honesty Policy: All academic work must meet the standards contained in “A Culture of Honesty.” All students are responsible to inform themselves about those standards before performing any academic work.

This Syllabus: The course syllabus is a general plan for the course; deviations announced to the class by the instructor may be necessary.

Office Hours: Note the coordinating and supervising professors' office hours and use them as the need or inclination arises. Remember, if you have questions or concerns, it is your responsibility to discuss these matters in a rational, courteous, and responsible manner with your instructor. You are free to drop by during Dr. Martin's office hours. A better approach and the one he strongly recommends, however, would be to call 706-542-5356 and schedule an appointment. This would increase the chances that there will be no appointment conflicts or unnecessary delays. See respective research supervising faculty regarding their office hours and office hour policies.

Professional Decorum. All students at all times should interact with each other and with the professor in a professional, courteous, rational manner.

RELI 8700 COURSE OUTLINE

SEMINAR IN PROBLEM AND TOPICS IN RELIGION RESEARCH

Dr. Sandy Dwayne Martin, Coordinating Professor

I. Course Introduction – January 16, 2007

II. Meet with Supervising Instructor* -- no later than January 18

III. Submit Proposal for Semester Research with Supervising Professor's Approval --

no later than January 23, 5 p.m.

IV. Meet with Supervising Professor Regularly but at the Very Least Once* --

No later than February 25

V. Make an Oral Presentation of Research Progress along with a Brief Written Version – February 27

VI. Meet with Supervising Instructor at Least Once* -- No later than April 14

VII. Submit a Professionally Well Done Draft of Longer Paper and Shortened Version

to Supervising and Coordinating Professors -- April 16

VIII. Attend End of Semester Class Meetings/Make Presentation(s) – April 21, 23, 25, 28

IX. Make Any Corrections/Modifications/Etc. and Submit the Final Paper to Supervising Instructor (and to Coordinating Professor if He Requests) -- May 5

X. Complete End of Course Summary Report and Secure Supervising

Faculty's Approval and Any Comments He or She Offers -- May 6

*Do not forget to meet with the supervising professor at the very least THREE times over the course of the semester. I think you should meet every 2-3 weeks.

NOTE: Keep both this syllabus with course outline and consult it often. It is a vital guide for this course. Students are encouraged, expected, and advised to ask questions during the quarter about the syllabus/outline in particular or the course in general concerning points which they feel require greater clarity.