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RELG 471: INTERFAITH DIALOGUES IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Stephanie Mitchem
Email: [email protected]
Office: Rutledge 326
Spring 2012
Credits: 3 credit hours
Course Description: Conversations between faiths are often difficult because of the
particular commitments of believers of different confessions. However, finding
paths to genuine conversation that could lead to shared values is often difficult in
our polarized political world. With contemporary views of the diversity and range of
religions, this course will lead students in an exploration of issues involving
interfaith dialogues. There will be particular emphasis on global dynamics of
religious dialogues.
Required Texts:
Pamela Brubaker and Rogate Mshana editors, Justice Not Greed (2010, World
Council of Churches)
Ira Chernus, American Nonviolence: the History of an Idea (2004, Orbis Books)
Amanda Porterfield, The Transformation of American Religion (2001, Oxford
University Press)
Crosscurrents, “Religious Language, Its uses and misuses,” Fall 2006, vol. 56 #3
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students who successfully complete this course should be able to:
1. Identify contemporary key issues in interfaith dialogues
2. Write critically regarding key interfaith figures and differing positions
Starting Norms for the class: (initial list; more to be added the first day)
We will fully listen to and respect the experiences and feelings of others.
We will work together as co-learners.
We will take care not to impose our views on each other.
Assignments -- Reading and preparing all assignments, on time, is absolutely
necessary and critical to your success in this class!
20 points
Interfaith leader: student will research a single person OR
organization, in the US OR internationally, who provides leadership in
interreligious dialogue. A currently living person or existing organization
must be selected. The report will be presented in class with an outline and
listing of sources to instructor.
10 points:
Analysis of online site for World Parliament of Religions
20 points:
Project and active participation in student led colloquium, “The
Resources for and Possibilities of Interfaith Dialogue”
20 points:
Midterm exam
30 points:
Final exam
Grading:
A = 100-90 points
B = 89-80
C = 79-70
D = 69-60
F below 60
REGARDING ABSENCES:
University of South Carolina policy: “Absence from more than 10 percent of the
scheduled class sessions, whether excused or unexcused, is excessive and the instructor
may choose to exact a grade penalty for such absences. It is of particular importance that
a student who anticipates absences in excess of 10 percent of the scheduled class sessions
receives prior approval from the instructor before the last day to change schedule as
published in the academic and refund calendars on the registrar’s Web site
(http://registrar.sc.edu/).
It must be emphasized that the “10 percent rule” stated above applies to both excused and
unexcused absences. Faculty members should notify classes, specifically in the course
syllabi, the attendance policy which they intend to follow in each class. It is also
recommended that the faculty include a policy statement in their syllabi requesting
students to meet with the instructor early in the semester to discuss the consequences of
potential excessive absences due to participation in University-sponsored events.
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 between reading, class work, and group discussions, late
papers are seldom accepted.
Schedule
Week 1 (Jan. 3-6): The question of religious freedom; discussion of US concept
“freedom of religion”
Week 2-3 (Jan. 9-20): Considering the constructions of religions in the US: excerpts
from Transformation of American Religion
Week 4-5 (Jan. 23-Feb.3): Reading and discussion, “Religious Language Its Uses and Misuses”
Week 6 (Feb. 6-10): “Faithful” but in conversation? The question of “our God”
Week 7 (Feb. 13-17): midterm exam
Week 8 (Feb. 20-24): Student reports: interfaith leadership
Week 9-10 (Feb. 27-Mar.9): Analyzing the work of the World Council of Churches
(WCC) on line paper due; discussion of Justice Not Greed, religious responses to
economic injustice led by WCC
Week 11 (Mar. 12-16): Plurality/diversity vs particularity: blocking conversations
Week 12-13 (Mar. 19-30): Read and prepare for discussion, noting different
responses of different religions: American Nonviolence
Week 13-14 (Apr. 2-13): Prepare for student led colloquium, “The Resources for and
Possibilities of Interfaith Dialogue”
Week 15 (Apr.16-20): Colloquium, during class time. Guests invited.
Week 16 (Apr.23-27): review for final
Final exam (date TBD)