Fall 2012 syllabus
Comparative Religious Thought I; Jeffrey Wattles, instructor
16855 PHIL 21020-003, Fall 2012; 9:15 – 10:30 MW, Bowman 223
This course introduces you to (i) beliefs, ideals, and practices of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as to (ii) methods in the study of religion, (iii) practice with interreligious dialogue, and (iv)—within the framework of your beliefs—experiential acquaintance with the spirituality of various traditions.
This course may be used to satisfy a Kent Core (or LER) Humanities requirement. The Kent Core as a whole is intended to broaden intellectual perspectives, foster ethical and humanitarian values, and prepare students for responsible citizenship and productive careers.
Diversity element: The course focuses on five religions and employs diverse methods—historical, philosophical, and experiential. The approach here emphasizes affirming our common humanity, working to understand differences, and appreciating the wonderful uniqueness of each personality. This course may be used to satisfy the University Diversity requirement. This course is classified as a diversity course-global.
Diversity courses provide opportunities for students to learn about such matters as the history, culture, values and notable achievements of people other than those of their own national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, physical and mental ability, and social class. Diversity courses also provide opportunities to examine problems and issues that may arise from differences, and opportunities to learn how to deal constructively with them.
The last day to drop this class is at the end of the second week of the semester; and the last day to withdraw is November 4.
Texts (in order of use, but a bookstore may send the books back after five weeks)
1. Pocket Bhagavad Gita (Paperback) translated by Winthrop Sargeant (State University of New York Press; Pocket Edition ISBN-10: 0791420302). If you are unable to find a copy in local bookstores, there are also good translations by Stephen Mitchell and Barbara Stoler Miller.
2. Glenn Wallis: The Dhammapada (Modern Library. ISBN-10: 0812977270).
3. The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha News Revised Standard Version, 4th edition, ISBN-13: 978-0-19-528955-8. This study Bible is required because of its academic quality with maps, essays, introductions, and copious notes produced by a diverse group of scholars.
4. The Meaning of the Holy Qur’an A. Yusuf Ali Amana Corporation; 11th edition (2004 ) (ISBN-13: 1-59008-026-2).
Expectations
We are a community of inquiry, and our interaction has a life of its own; so you are expected to attend regularly, be on time and biologically ready for class, have the reading done, and be ready to participate. Missing more than four classes can affect your grade. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to get notes from someone else, to see the instructor if you still have questions, and to ask the instructor for anything handed back during your absence. In case of an epidemic or other emergency, arrangements will be made for computer-based interaction. If you miss four weeks of class, how can I pass you? Finally, in some cases, there are materials to read and print out and bring with you from this website: http://sites.google.com/a/kent.edu/jwattles. The grade is based on participation (10 points); three papers (25 points each for the first two papers and 10 points for the last one); and three quizzes (10 points each).
Papers must be well written to receive a C or above. For a quick introduction to some of the standards, see http://www.personal.kent.edu/~jwattles/papers.htm . Writing—a skill that schools sometimes fail to teach—is important for your career, especially when so much communication is mediated by machines; and English is a first or second language in many nations. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the Writing Center (http://dept.kent.edu/english/WritingCent/writngcenter.htm). Speaking of communication, the University obliges you to check your Flashline e-mail account. If I have messages to send to the whole class, e.g., to change an assignment, or keep in touch in an emergency, I will use those addresses.
My office hours are MW 10:40 12:10 and TR 10:40-11:40 (Bowman 320H) and by appointment (330-672-0276; e-mail: jwattles@kent.edu).
Policy on the use of technology in the classes of Dr. Jeffrey Wattles
August 2012
In addition to specific course objectives, my goals as a teacher are to foster educational growth for each student, to whet appetites and promote discovery, and to provide a classroom environment where each student is supported as well as challenged. My ethical standard is the golden rule: Treat others as you want others to treat you.
To learn effectively, we need to focus. When we focus at our best, we engage all our powers of mind, soul, and body.
Focus is broken if we are distracted by cell phones and laptops. At least half of the laptops used in class take attention away from class. The user is distracted, and others are affected, too. Think about the message that this activity communicates to the instructor. Think about the message it conveys to other students.
My policy on technology is designed to promote the good of the whole. Neuroscientists have shown that multi-tasking seriously compromises the attention to each task. Measuring distraction, researchers found that driving while talking on a cell phone is like driving drunk. Decades ago, educational psychologists said that students’ attention span in a lecture was 20 minutes; John Medina now says it’s 10 minutes. Concern is mounting about how technology use can become compulsive and addictive; many people suffer from a mild form of attention-deficit disorder. There are consequences for our ability to achieve personal goals and for our society’s competitiveness in a global economy.
For these reasons, I have decided to join the many other faculty members who are creating policies to restrict classroom use of technology. I have chosen the following policy.
All cell phones and laptops are to be turned off and put away. The surface of the desk is to be clear, free of book bags, purses, and other barriers except for the textbook and writing materials. When I see a student using a cell phone or a laptop, I will deduct one percent from that student’s course grade.
When such action seems necessary, I will immediately notify the student by e-mail, and there will be a chance to clear up any misunderstanding.
You must sign and turn in the form indicating that you have read and understood this policy statement. If you believe that there are good reasons to make an adjustment in this policy or exception for you, speak with me.
I profoundly regret the conditions that require me to enforce this policy and complicate our educational relationship. However, I hope that you will rise above this disciplinary aspect and help us attain the level of the Kent State University motto: Excellence in action.
University policy 3342-3-01.8 deals with the problem of academic dishonesty, cheating, and plagiarism. None of these will be tolerated in this class. The sanctions provided in this policy will be used to deal with any violations. If you have any questions, please read the policy at http://www.kent.edu/policyreg/policydetails.cfm?customel_datapageid_1976529=2037779.
University policy 3342-3-01.3 requires that students with disabilities be provided reasonable accommodations to ensure their equal access to course content. If you have a documented disability and require accommodations, please contact the instructor at the beginning of the semester to make arrangements for necessary classroom adjustments. Please note, you must first verify your eligibility for these through Student Accessibility Services (contact 330-672-3391 or visit www.kent.edu/sas for more information on registration procedures).
University policy requires all students to be officially registered in each class they are attending. Students who are not officially registered for a course by published deadlines should not be attending classes and will not receive credit or a grade for the course. Each student must confirm enrollment by checking his/her class schedule (using Student Tools in FlashLine) prior to the deadline indicated. Registration errors must be corrected prior to the deadline.
The Philosophy Department Grievance Procedure for handling student grievances is in conformity with the Student Academic Complaint Policy and Procedures set down as University Policy 3342-4-16 in the University Policy Register. For information concerning the details of the grievance procedure, please see the Departmental Chairperson.
Schedule of Activities
I. Three of Hinduism’s paths: Action, meditation, and devotion
Week 1. Monday, August 27. Introductions to the course and to Hinduism—in particular, one of the Hindu scriptures, the Bhagavad Gita, chapter 1—Arjuna’s anguish at seeing kinsmen about to be slaughtered in battle. We will use a web document from this site: https://sites.google.com/a/kent.edu/jwattles/home/comparative-religious-thought. From the main Comparative Religious Thought page, follow the links to “Methods in the study of religion” and then to “Thoughts on religion by Mohandas Gandhi.” After today, when the syllabus lists web resources, you are expected to read and take notes on them before class.
Wednesday, August 29. The way of action (karma). Read the following from the Bhagavad Gita: chapter 3, verses 8-25 (sacrifice and action without attachment) and chapter 4.6-42 (the wisdom of the different kinds of sacrifice). In the Hinduism web documents, read Introduction to Hinduism and Karma.
Week 2. Monday, September 3, Labor Day, no class meeting.
Wednesday, Sept. 5. Launching project 1. Read the documents on Project 1 that the instructor will send to your Flashline e-mail boxes. In addition, from the Methods section of the class website, study Problems of comparing religions.” Read the Gita chapter 2 (the realization of the eternal spirit self [atman]); and 5.18-24 (atman and Brahman [the impersonal Absolute]) and verse 29 (heartfelt, personal devotion [bhakti] to a personal god or God).
Week 3. Monday, Sept. 10. The path of heartfelt devotion to a personal God. Bhagavad Gita, chapters 8-11, plus a Methods web document, Concepts of truth found in the Methods section of the class website mentioned above; read also in the Hinduism section, God and the gods in the Bhagavad Gita.”
Wednesday, 12. Integrating the pieces of the Gita puzzle. Read from the Gita on Brahman chapter 5, verses 18-24; ch 6, 27; ch 13, 13 and 31-32; and ch 14 26-27. Read on atman 6.29-31; 6.47; 9.29; 15.7; 18.61. Read on bhakti: ch3, 9-11 and 30; ch 4, 6-14, 35, and 40; ch. 5:29. 6:14-15 and 31-32. 8 (esp. 20-22). 9:3;20-25; 34. 11 (revelation). 15:7,11. 17:14-17. Chapter 18, 42, 54, and 61.
II. Buddhism: From the quest for enlightenment
to compassion for all beings
Week 4. Monday, Sept 17. Introduction to Buddhism. Dhammapada, Chapters 1-4 plus pages 154-56 in the notes at the end of the book; plus the note beginning at the bottom of p. 105 and concluding at the top of p. 107, and note 38, pp. 119-20. Study also the website’s “Introduction to Buddhism” and from the Methods section, “What is religion?” Note: the four noble truths and the eightfold path are to be learned and written out on the quiz.
Wed. 22. Read chapters 5-8. Buddhist compassion. Study also the Buddhism web documents on Aesthetics in the Dhammapada, Emotions, and Mindfulness meditation on friendliness, compassion, joy, and equanimity; and Taitetsu Unno, "True and Real Life."
Week 5. Monday, Sept. 24. Dhammapada, chapter 9, verses 116-18; chapter 10; chapter 11, verses 157-59; chapter 15; chapter 16, verses 209-16; chapter 18, verse 253; chapter 19, verses 256-62.
Wednesday, Sept. 26. Dhammapada, chapter 20, verses 287-89; chapter 21, verses 296-305; chapter 22, verse 313; chapter 23, 328-33; chapter 24, verse 348 and 354; and chapters 25 and 26.
Week 6. Monday, Oct. 1. Project report #1 due: Centering and compassion (hardcopy + e-mail). Optional The religious philosophy of Tanabe Hajime.
Wednesday, Oct. 3. A harvest from the papers. Optional, and if time permits, the Oxherding paintings: (http://www.shambhala.org/dharma/ctr/oxherding/). Quiz 1. (30 multiple choice, except for writing out Buddhism’s Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path).
III. Judaism: Righteousness and joy
through faith in, and obedience to, the one God,
the Creator of the heavens and the earth and the Lord of history
Week 7. Monday, Oct. 8. Launching project 2. Love, law, and story in Judaism. Read Genesis 1-2.3 and 11-15; Exodus 1-5 and 20.1-21; Leviticus 19; Deuteronomy 6.1-9 and 32.1-9; Job 31.13-15; Psalm 133; Malachi 2.10, the Judaism web doc, “Concepts of family in the Book of Genesis.” Project 2 launch.
Wednesday, Oct. 10. Introduction to the poetical and wisdom books (721); Introduction to Psalms (773); Psalms 1, 8, 19, 22, 23, 42, 51. Exodus 1-5. Study the Judaism document on Moses’ concept of God and the Methods document on feminist philosophy of religious language. In the Oxford Annotated Bible, read the Introductions to the Pentateuch, Genesis, and Exodus and review the maps at the end of the book.
Week 8. Monday, Oct. 15. Read the Jewish history web document plus in the Oxford Annotated Bible, “The Hebrew Bible’s interpretation of itself” (2201-04).
Wednesday, Oct. 17 (midterm grades due). Web document on the prophets plus an essay on the golden rule in Judaism: http://www.personal.kent.edu/~jwattles/grjew.htm
Week 9. Monday, Oct. 22. Suffering. Read Job, Introduction and chapters 1-7, 31, and 38-42. The lecture will consider writings by Viktor Frankl and Elie Wiesel.
Wednesday, Oct 24. Theodicy—how religion helps persons make sense of evil and suffering and addresses the limits of human understanding. Study the Methods document on the problem of evil.
V. Christianity: A gospel of love in the life and teachings of
Jesus of Nazareth
Week 10. Monday, Oct. 29. Introductory overview. Luke 1-4, Mark 1, Matthew 5-7, John 10-13, Acts 1-3; and the Christianity web document, A profile of Jesus of Nazareth.
Wednesday, Oct. 31. Essay from the instructor on Jesus’ concept of family. Optional web documents: Jesus' gospel in Mark and What was Jesus' gospel?
Week 11. Monday, Nov. 5. Jesus’ parables and moral teachings: Matthew 13 and 18.12-35; Luke 10 and 15. Provided by the instructor: “A New Testament golden rule.”
Wednesday, Nov. 7. The power and depth of love: John 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 13-17; and 1 John 4.
Week 12. Nov 12. Project report #2 due: love as the desire to do good. Lecture on Paul.
V. Islam: Dynamism through living the will of God
Week 13, Introduction to Islam. Introduction to Islam; Surahs 1 and 92-114; Methods web document: What is interreligious dialogue? Project 3 handout: the practice of dialogue (with a Muslim).
Wednesday Nov. 21. Qur’an, Surah (chapter) 2.1-112.
Week 14. Monday, Nov. 26. Complete Sura 2. Muslim writings on love
Wednesday, Nov. 28. The multiple meanings of jihad, Surah 8.
Week 15. Monday, December 3. The Islam web document on Ali Shari'ati.
Wednesday, December 5. Project report 3 due: experiencing dialogue.
Final examination, Friday, December 14, 7:45-10:00 a.m. in the regular classroom. No early quiz will be given because of the ease of cheating when one person in class knows the questions before everyone else takes the quiz.