Gender, Ethnicity and Religion:Asian Religions and Cultures
EWS431
Academic Year 2009-2010
Instructor: Patricia Lin
Introduction:
The aims of this course are to look at the ways religion
and spiritual beliefs define
ethical choices, cultural practices, and ways of conceptualizing
material reality. The focus of this course will be on the religions,
ethical systems and folk beliefs systems of Asia. This will include an examination
of religions that are less familiar to most Americans.
In the last decade Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Hinduism have come to be
practiced by an increasing number of Americans. In turn, adherence
to these beliefs extends into the multitude of ways in which practitioners
construct their world views, structure their lives, and express
themselves artistically. A large part of this course will be given to addressing the question of co-existence in a
religiously diverse America.
Course Structure:
The course consists of one class day of presentations and discussions, and one in-class work session. During the latter, student teams will work around
computer stations or lap tops on their reports, presentations and course projects.
Students will be assigned to teams. Teams rather than individuals will submit the required reports, presentations and course projects.
Course Requirements:
E-Mail Accounts: Students will be required to activate their campus e-mail accounts. Students will also be required to purchase flash memory sticks to store and submit their assignments.
Texts:
A New Religious America: How a "Christian Country" Has Become the World's Most Religiously Diverse Nation by Diana L.Eck
The text book may be purchased online.
Reference Text:
Religious Holidays and Calendars: An Encyclopedic Handbook ed., Karen Bellinir, Omnigraphics Press, 2004. On Reserve in the Library.
Beyond Tolerance:Searching for Interfaith Understabding in America, by Gustav Niebuhr, Viking, 2008.
Grading:
Your final grade for the course will
be based on the following:
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Nine Summations of Assigned Readings |
25% |
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First Presentation |
20% |
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Final Presentation of Course Project |
20% |
|
Field Trip Report |
25% |
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Participation and Team Work |
10% |
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Course Home Page |
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Syllabus |
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Course Schedule |
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Outcomes and Expectations |