Introduction toReligious Studies

Sheila E. McGinn, Ph.D.Professor of Biblical Studies & Early Christianity

John Carroll University

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Course Overview

Who’s Who Course Goals & Pedagogical Philosophy Anticipated Learning Outcomes Course Resources Course Policies Assessments & Grading Required Assignments Summary

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Who’s Who

Sheila E. McGinn, Ph.D. Instructor smcginn@jcu.edu Tel. 216-397-3087 Office: Admin B250e Office Hours:

See the course Blackboard or follow the “Instructor” link (above) for details

Teaching Assistant See the course

Blackboard for details

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Philosophical Assumptions

Truth exists The search for Truth is the purpose of education The search for Truth is the search for God The Truth can be known through human inquiry,

asymptotically, by degrees The Spirit of God aids those who seek the Truth

Meaning is not “given”; it is constructed Religious traditions are systems of meaning

constructed by their participants under the influence of the Sacred Every religious tradition claims to be a vehicle for

coming to know the Truth The Truth transcends any religious tradition

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Pedagogical Assumptions

1. Knowledge is not a “given”; it is dynamic1. “Banking” data is not the same as “learning” 2. People learn when they are actively involved3. People learn what they value4. Learners construct new knowledge in

dialogue with what was previously “known”

2. The job of the “teacher” is to help students learn the skills to enable them to build upon their existing knowledge (i.e., to be active learners)

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Course Goals

Students will learn how to: Dialogue with various religious traditions in

light of contemporary issues Find resources for research on religious

traditions & questions Students will recognize that ALL meaning—

with respect to ANY subject matter— is constructed

Students will be able to explain the significance of this fact

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Learning Strategies

Assignments that take advantage of many learning strategies: “Book learning” Field observations Personal interviews Various kinds of writing (analytical, creative,

expository, reflective, & research) Group & individual work Class presentations & podcasts

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Course Policies Attendance is mandatory Civility, decorum, & politeness is expected

E.g., dress code, eating, & phone policies Students are expected to:

READ critically Prepare daily discussions (These are GRADED.) Follow The Chicago Manual of Style in all

written work Give proper attribution to all sources Help each other learn

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Required Assignments Preliminary Assessments (due immediately):

PreTest Student Learning Goals Worksheet Individualized Learning Contract Learning Contract meeting with Instructor

Schedule a fifteen-minute appointment for sometime before our third class meeting Decide what resources and strategies will help you accomplish your learning goals Come ready to explain why you made these choices and how the specific strategies will

enable you to achieve your learning goals

Monthly formal essay assignments Term project Occasional in-class writing Occasional quizzes & two exams Summative Assessments

PostTest Student & Instructor evaluation of Individualized Learning Contract Students course evaluation

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Assessments & Grading Types of Assessments

Discussion sets Instructor evaluation of written work (see Grading Protocols) Peer evaluation of group work Quizzes & examinations Instructor and student self-evaluation of class participation Feedback for Instructor

Purpose of Assessments Gather feedback for improvement of Student and Instructor performance “Reality testing” of self-evaluation v. Instructor perception Facilitate group process & provide “early warning system” for problems

Frequency and timing of reviews Daily (discussions) Bi-weekly (quizzes/exams) Monthly (Instructor feedback; peer group assessments) Twice/semester (class participation self-evaluation)

Assessment process Assessment forms

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Course Resources

Syllabus & Course Schedule

JCU Bible Web (http://www.jcu.edu/Bible)

RL101 Web & Blackboard site

Grasselli Library & reference librarians

Grading Protocols for each assignment

Writing Resources & JCU Writing Center

(OC207)

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Summary

This course is an introduction to the academic study of theology and religion. As a course in methodology, it is not primarily intended to convey content but rather to teach you how scholars work in these two fields of study. Essential to this learning goal is the students’ active (“hands-on”) implementation of the different methods of study that are introduced in the course.

The course will prepare you to engage in further study in the fields of theology and religious studies, in subject-area courses where you will be using these methods to create knowledge in the discipline.

At least two contemporary world religions are used as examples for how such academic work is done, but this is not a course to teach “everything you always wanted to know about … world religions.”