Thank You for a Great Class

Grades are done and have been registered in MySJSU. Sometimes they appear quickly, other times, it can take a while. Give it at least a day or two.

Thank you for a great class. I very much enjoyed both sections and I hope the experience was pleasant for you, too. I'll leave you with an old Irish blessing:

May your pockets be heavy
Your heart be light
And may good luck pursue you
Each morning and night 

-D

(Week 17)

Update 1: The finals were graded last Friday. I won't receive them back until Tuesday afternoon, however. I'm also right in the middle of reading essays and papers. If you haven't yet received an email confirmation of your paper, look for one in the next couple days.Good luck with finals!

Update 2: I've looked over your finals and there were a surprising number of misreads of the prompt. Many of you confused a cover song, a song by one artist redone by another with permission (e.g. John Legend's cover of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep") with a bootleg, which is often an unauthorized redo or sample of a copyrighted song (e.g. many unauthorized YouTube mixes). And although there were a fair amount of 10s, there were also many 5s and 6s. These essays largely ignored structure and evidence, and instead relied heavily on summary. Finally, I hope to be finishing up the grades by tonight. So expect to get your final grades when I email you back to confirm I received your work.

News Roundup 12.07.11

• Gov. Rick Perry's new ad: "As president, I’ll end Obama’s war on religion. And I’ll fight against liberal attacks on our religious heritage." Des Moines Register
• Because of President Obama's gay rights directive, Pat Robertson says "God will punish the nation" Huffington Post
• Getting naked to protest the Westboro Baptist Church Gawker
• Students sue school's Ten Commandments display Roanoke Times
• Shockingly, Johnny Depp's song about a drunken Jesus has angered many Christians ABCNews
  
• Time Tebow, mixing religion and sports Chicago Sun-Times

 

Week 16: The Anasazi

The Anasazi's creation myth says humans came from inside the Earth

Mo 12.5
Class: Course review

Due via Friday, Dec. 9th at noon: RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT), EXPOSITORY ESSAY, COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ESSAY

Assignment: Extra-Credit

You may choose to end the semester on a reflective note

Your extra-credit assignment asks that you reflect upon a semester's worth of reading and writing about spirituality (or lack thereof). What about the subject matter struck you as most interesting? What surprised you? Did you change your mind about anything? Were any preconceived notions of yours changed or challenged? In a reflection-style response, consider the experience of studying various aspects of spirituality. This should not be so much about the class as much as it should be about the subject matter and related issues.

Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly two-full pages in length

Worth up to 15 extra-credit pts.

Due: Friday, Dec. 9th by noon via email

News Roundup 11.29.11

Cain was concerned his doctor was named Dr. Abdallah

• Herman Cain's reaction upon learning his doctor was Christian: "Hallelujah!"
  
• Vatican exorcist: Yoga and Harry Potter are of the devil newser
• Shedding light on a new Stonehenge discovery BBC News
  
• The Daily Show takes on Fox News over its fury about God being left out of the presidential Thanksgiving message Comedy Central
• Six HIV patients dead after being told by evangelical churches they'd been cured SkyNews
• Air Force Academy now accommodates pagans, druids, and Wiccans Los Angeles Times

 

Week 15: New Agers

The New Age movement combines both Eastern and Western spiritualism

 
Mo 11.28
Class: Writers workshop; Final exam prep
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (DRAFT 2, BRING IN THREE COPIES OF THE FIRST SIX PAGES OF YOUR RESEARCH PAPER)

We 11.30
In-Class: Final exam prep; Presentations

Sa 12.3
Final Exam: SCI 164 @ 10 AM; DRC Students: DRC @ 8 AM

UPCOMING:

Week 16
Mo 12.5
Class: Course review
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT), EXPOSITORY ESSAY, COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ESSAY

Final Exam Prep

There are many techniques which can assist you with the final exam

Below are two sample prompts for your final exam this week. Also included is the rubric from which your essay will be scored.

Sample prompt A
Sample prompt B
Final exam rubric

Finally, you'll also find a sample essay. It's for the 1A exam, but obviously the goals are the same.

Sample 1A prompt
Sample 1A essay 

Week 14: Muslims

Muslims pray in the direction of Mecca five times a day

Mo 11.21
Class: Watch—Devil's Playground (2002)

We 11.23
No Class: Thanksgiving

UPCOMING:

Week 15
Mo 11.28
Class: Writers workshop; Final exam prep
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (DRAFT 2, BRING IN THREE COPIES OF THE FIRST SIX PAGES OF YOUR RESEARCH PAPER)

We 11.30
In-Class: Final exam prep; Presentations

Sa 12.3
Final Exam: SCI 164 @ 10 AM; DRC Students: DRC @ 8 AM

Week 16
Mo 12.5
Class: Course review
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (FINAL DRAFT), EXPOSITORY ESSAY, COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ESSAY

News Roundup 11.18.11

The Vatican to Benetton: We will sue

• The Vatican to sue Benetton despite pulling their Pope ad Christian Science Monitor
• Can Twilight be used to teach about the Gospels? Christian Post
• Are Christians being oppressed in America? Los Angeles Times
• President Obama's would-be assassin says he is Jesus Christ CBS News
• Are the sports sex abuse scandal coverups any different than that of churches? Washington Post
• "I'm a Mormon" campaign expanding ahead of '12 election New York Times

 

Week 13: Scientologists

Celebrities, such as Tom Cruise, have become the face of Scientology

Mo 11.14
Class: Watch—Paradise Now (2005)

We 11.16
Class: Writers workshop; Presentations; Assignments—Annotated works cited and Comparative analysis essay
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (DRAFT 1, BRING IN THREE COPIES OF THE FIRST THREE PAGES OF YOUR RESEARCH PAPER)

UPCOMING: 

Week 14
Mo 11.21
Class: Guest speaker TBA

We 11.23
No Class: Thanksgiving

Open Due Date Assignments: EXPOSITORY ESSAY, COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ESSAY

NOTE TO DRC STUDENTS: The final exam will be at 8 AM on 12.3 at the DRC

Assignment: Comparative Analysis Essay

In Blue Like Jazz, Miller takes an unconventional approach to outreach

In recent years, various Christian churches have come under criticism for outreach that has been more exclusive than inclusive. Likewise, Donald Miller’s Blue Like Jazz takes churches to task for being too negligent of certain segments of society (e.g. "liberals and homosexuals"). He argues that many Christian churches have neglected these people to their own detriment. In fact, a more openly-accepting approach has helped Miller's own church be successful in attracting people from various walks of life.

In a concise essay, compare and contrast Miller’s style of outreach with that of Christian denomination of your choice (e.g. Mormons, Evangelicals). Cite specific evidence from Blue Like Jazz, but also from at least two other sources regarding another church—this needn’t be a traditional one, but can be nontraditional, along the lines of Miller’s church. In your analysis, consider what all churches do to expand their bases in traditionally nonreligious communities? As well as what the  consequences might be for a church that is too narrow in its recruitment of new members? Again, use specific examples from Miller’s book to support your thesis.

Requirements:

• MLA format, including parenthetical citation
• 3-page minimum 
• Include a works cited page, including at least two sources regarding another church's approach to outreach

The best papers will:

• Stay within the parameters of the prompt
• Have a concise thesis
• Clearly support their thesis with solid evidence and a logical structure
• Properly cite evidence using MLA's parenthetical citation method
• Conclude with a summation of your points
• Be in proper MLA Style

Due: At anytime before the end of the last day of class.

News Roundup: 11.11.11

Egypt has closed the Pyramids for 11.11.11

• Sorry!: 11.11.11 spiritualists denied access to the Great Pyramids MSNBC
• The devil made them do it: Catholic newspaper suggests Satan is the cause for same-sex attraction Huffington Post
• TheCall's Detroit prayer-a-thon has area Muslims nervous CBS News
• John Stewart on the House's recent reaffirmation of "In God We Trust": Oh, so you're doing it to be d*cks Comedy Central
• Gallup poll finds fewer Democrats are attending church Beliefnet
• Again: Tibetan nun herself on fire to protest Chinese occupation Time

Week 12: Atheists

Atheists are increasingly vocal in American society

Mo 11.7
Read: JAZZ—p. 95-186
Class: Watch—Jesus Camp (2006)

We 11.9
Read: JAZZ—p.187-240
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations
Due: REFLECTION 6

UPCOMING:

Week 13
Tu 11.15
Class: Guest speaker TBA

We 11.16
Class: Writers workshop; Presentations; Assignments—Annotated works cited and Comparative analysis essay
Due: RESEARCH PAPER (DRAFT 1, BRING IN THREE COPIES OF THE FIRST THREE PAGES OF YOUR RESEARCH PAPER)

Open Due Date Assignments: EXPOSITORY ESSAY, COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ESSAY

NOTE TO DRC STUDENTS: The final exam will be at 8 AM on 12.3 at the DRC
 

Reflection 06: Who Needs Who?—Women and Religion

Despite their faith, women are often blocked from leadership roles

Throughout history, many have argued that religions need women more than women need religions. Even today, there persists the view that religions, particularly those that are patriarchal-based, ask more of their female followers than they give in return. In fact, many religions today make women's sexuality, motherhood, and family roles central to their doctrine, yet block them from the highest leadership roles. Though women have made inroads in some churches, they are still largely shut out of decision-making positions in most religions. It's not surprising then that female-centered faiths have recently seen a resurgence in popularity with women. How do you believe religion serves women? Does it generally treat women as equals to men? Are women's issues typically a priority? Is it true that religions need women more than women need religions?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• "At Front of Brooklyn Bus, a Clash of Religious and Women’s Rights" (New York Times)
• "The Roles of Women" (PBS)
• "Are Faith and Feminism Compatible?" (Jezebel)
• "Does Religion Oppress Women?" (New York Times)

Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly two-full pages in length

Due: We 11.9

Week 11: The Amish

The Amish settled mostly in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Indiana

Tu 11.1
Read: GO—1:12:21-2:06:30
Class: Reading discussion; Lecture—“Research Papers: The How-To”

Th 11.3
Read: JAZZ—p. 1-94
Class: Reading discussion; Writers workshop
Due: EXPOSITORY ESSAY (DRAFT 1, BRING IN THREE COPIES)


UPCOMING:

Week 12
Mo 11.7
Read: JAZZ—p. 95-186
Class: Watch—Jesus Camp (2006)

We 11.9
Read: JAZZ—p.187-240
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations
Due: REFLECTION 6

OPEN DUE ASSIGNMENT(S): EXPOSITORY ESSAY

Assignment: Expository Essay

Sweeney's seemingly spiritual journey eventually leads to atheism

In her monologue, Letting Go of God, comedienne Julia Sweeney recounts her journey from devout believer to staunch atheist. After some time exploring her own Christian faith, as well as other belief systems, Sweeney concludes that there is no God:

"Eventually I said goodbye to God, and I imagined him as this old man, this old broken-down man, more like an older version of the God on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. But if you looked closely, you could even recognize the Jesus from the poster in my high school bedroom...but older, much, much older, with long, gray and white hair, and lots of lines on his face. An old hippie who still smoked. And at one time he seemed so all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-protective. But now, he just seemed a little stinky.

And I could just see him sitting on the suitcases near the front door of my house, and I went to him and I said 'I'm sorry, God. It's not you. It's...it's me. It's just...I don't think you exist. I mean, God, look at it this way: It's really because I take you so seriously that I can't bring myself to believe in you. I mean, if it's any consolation, it's sort of a sign of respect. So...sit here for a while if you want to. You can stay a little while if you need to. There's no big hurry.' And slowly, over the course of several weeks, he just disappeared."

In a concise essay, identify three turning points in Sweeney's journey toward a belief in atheism. For instance, what were some keys events that pushed her further from her her long-held faith? Who were the people that influenced her budding beliefs and what was their impact? What were the defining moments in her path toward godlessness?

Requirements:

• MLA format, including parenthetical citation*
• 3-page minimum
• Include a works cited page 

  *Cite according to player timer (hour:minute:second); Example: (Sweeney 02:12:12)

The best papers will:

• Stay within the parameters of the prompt
• Have a concise thesis
• Clearly support their thesis with solid evidence and a logical structure
• Properly cite evidence using MLA's paranthetical citation method
• Conclude with a summation of your points
• Be in proper MLA Style

Due: Draft 1—We 11.2 (Bring two copies); Final draft—Due at any point between this week and the final day of class, Mo 12.5

News Roundup 10.26.11

Did Scientology strike back at South Park?

 

• Church of Scientology allegedly investigated South Park creators Huffington Post
• Who you gonna call?: Everything you need for a successful ghost hunt Gizmodo
• Can one be gay AND Catholic? Daily Beast
• Egyptian man jailed for anti-Muslim remarks on Facebook AFP
• Religion still a major factor for teens waiting to have sex International Business Times
• Halloween haunts not your thing? Try this church's "Judgement House" Kansas City Star

Week 10: Coptic Christians

Coptic, or Egyptian, Christians date back almost 2,000 years

M 10.24
Read: GO—35:19-1:12:20
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations
Due: SYNTHESIS ESSAY (FINAL DRAFT, ATTACH DRAFT 1 TO BACK)

W 10.26
Class: Library research session—Meet in MLK Library in room 125 (Sec. 3) and room 213 (Sec. 10)
Due: REFLECTION 5

UPCOMING:

Week 11
Tu 11.1
Read: GO—1:12:21-2:06:30
Class: Reading discussion; Lecture—“Research Papers: The How-To”

Th 11.3
Read: JAZZ—p. 1-94
Class: Reading discussion; Writers workshop
Due: EXPOSITORY ESSAY (DRAFT 1, BRING IN THREE COPIES)

News Roundup 10.22.11

Susan Sarandon makes a controversial claim about Pope Benedict

• Susan Sarandon: We have a Nazi Pope  Newsweek
• Still here?: The world (again) did not end, this time on October 21st, as doomsday prophet predicted ABCNews
• The joy of Diwali Times of India
• Florida principal: The First Amendment only applies to Christians Florida Times-Union
• GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain: "I like my guns and Bible. Ain't gonna give 'em up!" Huffington Post
• Bishop's blog post, blaming Jews for the death of Christ, increases Catholic/Jewish tensions Guardian

Reflection 05: Picking and Choosing—Cafeteria Spiritualism

More Americans are mixing and matching faiths to fit their needs

Some Mormons just can't do without caffeine, so they drink coffee. Some Catholics want control of their family planning, so they use contraceptives. Some Jews love the pageantry of Christmas, so they celebrate it every December 25th. Likewise, a person who finds comfort in Buddhist incantations, respects the environmental reverence of the Wiccans, and admires the Quaker emphasis on self-reliance might combine them into a personalized belief system. All of these are examples of the contemporary phenomenon of so-called "cafeteria spiritualism," sometimes called "salad bar" spiritualism. It is the practice of individuals customizing faiths, or parts of them, to fit their individual needs. In earlier times, followers of a devout faith generally accepted all aspects of that religion on the basis that true believers wholeheartedly embraced all related tenants. Not so today. In the 21st century, Americans routinely pick and choose the aspects of a faith, or faiths, that best fit their needs. Thus, younger generations of Americans are less likely to prescribe to a specific religion, opting instead to identify themselves as spiritual, but not religious. What do you think of cafeteria spiritualism? Does it make more sense in a pluralistic society, such as ours? Or should we return to the old days, when a Catholic was a Catholic and a Jew was a Jew, etc? Finally, have you, or anyone you know, partaken in this style of faith?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• "My Religion is a Salad Bar" (Center for Creative Ministry)
• "Cafeteria Spirituality" (Wake Up for Life!)
• "Deliver Us From Salad Bar Religion" (Reformed Theology)
• "Inside the Spiritual Jacuzzi" (Reason)

Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly two-full pages in length

Due: We 10.26

Week 09: Buddhists

Buddhism was born in India, home to The Great Buddha of Bodhgaya

Mo 10.17
Class: Presentations; Writers workshop
Due: SYNTHESIS ESSAY (DRAFT 1, BRING IN THREE COPIES)

We 10.19
Read: GO—0:00-35:18
Class: Guest speaker TBA

UPCOMING:

Week 10
M 10.24
Read: GO—35:19-1:12:20
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations
Due: SYNTHESIS ESSAY (FINAL DRAFT, ATTACH DRAFT 1 TO BACK)

W 10.26
Class: Library research session—Meet in MLK Library in room TBD
Due: REFLECTION 5

New Rounup 10.15.11

Some Christians are embracing the Occupy Wall Street movement

• Would Jesus Occupy Wall Street? Christian Post
• Coming to light: A recent rash of attacks on the Amish Associated Press
• Tightening their grip: Kazakhstan passes restrictive religious legislation Time
• Is Buddhism the secret to living longer? Chankra News
• Christian school removes alumni from webpage because he's gay WSYX-TV
• Mormons aren't Christians? Really? Time 

Assignment: Synthesis Essay

Atheists are increasingly visible in 21st century American society

How would you characterize 2011 America's view of atheists? Do you believe they receive fair representation in the media? Is our society generally accepting of their perspectives? Do we reserve a space for non-believers in our national discussions? In a concise essay, synthesize the following diverse texts into a "snapshot" of contemporary America's view of atheists:

• Interview with Dave Silverman from The O’Reilly Factor (FoxNews)
• “Fox News Facebook Page Gets 8,000 Death Threats” (All Facebook)
• “Reading the Bible (or the Koran, or the Torah) Will Make You an Atheist” (BigThink)
• “Culture War Update—The Dividening of America—American Atheists vs. Ground Zero Cross” from The Daily Show (Comedy Central)
• “Lisa the Skeptic” from The Simpsons (FOX)
• “Coming Out of the (Atheist) Closet” (The Harvard Crimson)
• “Atheism Billboard Greets O.C. Drivers (Los Angeles Times)
• “In US, Atheists Know Religion Better than Believers. Is that Bad?” (Christian Science Monitor)
• Scene from Bill Maher: But I’m Not Wrong (HBO)

Requirements:

• MLA format, including parenthetical citation
• 3-page minimum 

The best papers will:

• Stay within the parameters of the prompt
• Have a concise thesis
• Find "common threads" amongst a diverse group of texts and combine them to create a "snapshot" of America's view of atheists
• Properly cite evidence using MLA's parenthetical citation method
• Conclude with a summation of your points
• Be in MLA Style

Due: Mo 10.17 (Bring three copies)

Week 08: Mayans

The Temple of Kukulkan (or "El Castillo") was a major religious site

Mo 10.10
Read: eR—Interview with Dave Silverman from The O’Reilly Factor (FoxNews), “Fox News Facebook Page Gets 8,000 Death Threats” (All Facebook), “Reading the Bible (or the Koran, or the Torah) Will Make You an Atheist” (BigThink), “Culture War Update—The Dividening of America—American Atheists vs. Ground Zero Cross” from The Daily Show (Comedy Central)
Class: Watch—“Lisa the Skeptic” from The Simpsons (FOX)

We 10.12
Read: eR—“Coming Out of the (Atheist) Closet” (Harvard Crimson), “Atheism Billboard Greets O.C. Drivers (Los Angeles Times), “In US, Atheists Know Religion Better than Believers. Is that Bad?” (Christian Science Monitor); Scene from Bill Maher: But I’m Not Wrong (HBO)
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Assignment—Synthesis essay
Due: PERSUASUVE ESSAY; REFLECTION 4

UPCOMING:

Week 9
Mo 10.17
Class: Presentations; Writers workshop
Due: SYNTHESIS ESSAY (DRAFT 1, BRING IN THREE COPIES)

We 10.19
Read: GO—0:00-35:18
Class: Guest speaker TBA

News Roundup 10.08.11

Buddhism's mantras of focus and simplicity guided Apple's late CEO

• Steve Jobs, Buddhist Wall Street Journal
• Evangelical pastor survey: Mormons are not Christians Huffington Post
• Pressure mounting on Christians in the new Egypt Associated Press
• Muslim SJSU woman, removed from Southwest flight, sues USA Today
• Catholic League: Madonna not right for Super Bowl Christian Post
• Pentagon: Military chaplains may perform same-sex marriages Washington Post

Reflection 04: If You Believe—The Existance of Miracles

Charleston Heston as Moses in the Bible's dramatic parting the Red Sea

Do you believe in miracles, those events attributed to divine intervention? For example, can a patient with terminal cancer be cured of disease through prayer? Or can a person rid themselves of a harmful addiction through a steadfast adherence to faith? How do you rationalize so-called miracles? Perhaps you believe that what some consider miraculous actually has a basis in natural law? Maybe upon hearing of such events, you immediately search for a logical explanation? But whether you believe or you don't, these extraordinary events occur occasionally. The question is: How do you explain them?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• "Do You Believe in Miracles? Most Americans Do" (NPR)
• "Exploring the Science of Miracles" (Washington Post)
  
•  "Scientists Explain Red Sea Parting and Other Miracles" (ABCNews)
• "Of Signs and Miracles: Lourdes, 1968" (Salon)

Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly two-full pages in length

Due: We 10.12

Assignment: Persuasive Essay

Should Adam and Eve be taught as science in American public schools?

For several decades, some segments of American Christianity have pushed for Creationism, the creation myth of the Bible, to be included in the country's public schools, either supplanting Evolution or, at least, presented with equal weight. They argue that Creationism is not only divinely-directed, but scientifically sound, and therefore, appropriate to be taught in schools. In reality, the issue is part of a larger continuing debate about the divisions between religious and secular interests in our society. What do you believe is the appropriate place, if any, for Creationism in a public school education? Does it belong in a science lab? A humanities classroom? Or not at all? What are the consequences of having Creationism in (or out) of American schools? Finally, how does Intelligent Design changes the parameters of the debate? In a clear and concise persuasive essay, argue for the most appropriate role for Creationism in an American education. Cite from the texts below to support your thesis:

• “The Crusade Against Evolution” (Wired)
• “Intelligent Designer” (Salon)
• “In Defense of Evolution” (NOVA)
• “God by the Numbers” (ChristianityToday)
• “Paul Bettany’s Journey to the Dawn of Creation” (Vanity Fair)
• “Governor Perry, Like Many Christians, Wants to Leave Room for God” (Washington Post)
• “Teaching Evolution: A State-by-State Debate” (NPR)
• “The Evolution of Creationism” (Salon)
• “The Texas-Size Debate over Teaching Evolution” (Newsweek)
• “Defending Intelligent Design” (NOVA)
• “Board vs. Teachers” (NOVA)
• “Evangelicals Question the Existence of Adam and Eve” (NPR)
• “Evolution vs. Creationism: Study Reveals Public School Science Lagging” (Huffington Post)

Requirements:

• MLA format, including parenthetical citation
• 3-page minimum

The best papers will:

• Have a concise thesis with a clear argument about the appropriate role of Creationism in schools
• Utilize rhetorical techniques in order to convince readers of your position
• Support their thesis with solid evidence organized in a logical structure
• Properly cite evidence, using MLA's parenthetical citation method
• Conclude with a summation of your points
• Be in MLA Style

Due: We 10.12

Week 07: Catholics

Michelangelo's Pieta in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican

Mo 10.3
Read: eR—“The Evolution of Creationism” (Salon), “The Texas-Size Debate over Teaching Evolution” (Newsweek), “Defending Intelligent Design” (NOVA)
Class: Reading discussion; Lecture—“The Fundamentals of Rhetoric;” Assignment—Persuasive essay

We 10.5
Read: eR—“Board vs. Teachers” (NOVA), “Evangelicals Question the Existence of Adam and Eve” (NPR), “Evolution vs. Creationism: Study Reveals Public School Science Lagging” (Huffington Post)
Class: Carrielynn Haedtler, Church of Christ Scientists

UPCOMING:

Week 8
Mo 10.10
Read: eR—Interview with Dave Silverman from The O’Reilly Factor (FoxNews), “Fox News Facebook Page Gets 8,000 Death Threats” (All Facebook), “Reading the Bible (or the Koran, or the Torah) Will Make You an Atheist” (BigThink), “Culture War Update—The Dividening of America—American Atheists vs. Ground Zero Cross” from The Daily Show (Comedy Central)
Class: Watch—“Lisa the Skeptic” from The Simpsons (FOX)

We 10.12
Read: eR—“Coming Out of the (Atheist) Closet” (The Harvard Crimson), “Atheism Billboard Greets O.C. Drivers (Los Angeles Times), “In US, Atheists Know Religion Better than Believers. Is that Bad?” (The Christian Science Monitor); Scene from Bill Maher: But I’m Not Wrong (HBO)
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Assignment—Synthesis essay
Due: PERSUASUVE ESSAY; REFLECTION 4

Now at The Tech Museum of Innovation: Islamic Science Rediscovered

An illuminating exhibit about scientific and technological innovations from the Muslim world is now open at The Tech.

More information can be found here.

News Roundup 9.27.11

Glee's Christian star speaks out for gay rights

• Christian Glee star Kristen Chenoweth: "I don’t think being gay is a sin. Period." Advocate
• One author's quest to meet Satan Christian Post
• Florida Republican Party appeases Tea Party elements, denies a Muslim a post on state committee Huffington Post
• Study's controversial finding: Christians having pre-martial sex and abortions as much as non-Christians Relevant
• Heckler to President Obama: "You are the Antichrist!" New York Daily News
• A latest weapon in the fight against climate change: Durga, the Hindu goddess GroundReport 

 

Week 06: Christian Scientists

Eschewing medicine, followers instead rely on healing through prayer

Mo 9.26
Read: eR—“The Crusade Against Evolution” (Wired), “Intelligent Designer” (Salon), “In Defense of Evolution” (NOVA), “God by the Numbers” (ChristianityToday)
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Lecture—“Easy Fixes: 10 Grammar Rules to Know”

We 9.28
Read: eR—“Paul Bettany’s Journey to the Dawn of Creation” (Vanity Fair), “Governor Perry, Like Many Christians, Wants to Leave Room for God” (Washington Post), “Teaching Evolution: A State-by-State Debate” (NPR)
Class: Lecture—“Spirituality on Film”
Due: REFLECTION 3

UPCOMING:

Week 7
Mo 10.3
Read: eR—“The Evolution of Creationism” (Salon), “The Texas-Size Debate over Teaching Evolution” (Newsweek), “Defending Intelligent Design” (NOVA)
Class: Guest speaker TBA

We 10.5
Read: eR—“Board vs. Teachers” (NOVA), “Evangelicals Question the Existence of Adam and Eve” (NPR), “Evolution vs. Creationism: Study Reveals Public School Science Lagging” (Huffington Post)
Class: Reading discussion; Lecture—“The Fundamentals of Rhetoric;” Assignment—Persuasive essay

News Roundup 9.21.11

Why be buried when you can be plasticized?

• Thinking outside the box: Alternatives to casket burials LiveScience
• Christian Coalition leader on bullying; “I hardly think bullying is a real issue in schools." Think Progress
• Pat Robertson continues to draw flack for advising man that it's okay to divorce his wife who has Alzheimer's Christian Post
• Atheism on the rise in America Washington Post
• Texas family: The Virgin Mary saved our house from wildfires CNN
• European Sikhs protest for better treatment at airports PRNewswire

Reflection 3: What's Hot Now!—Cultural Appropriation and Religious Symbols

Gods, symbols, and rituals have all been absorbed into the mainstream

Cultural appropriation is the act of one culture "incorporating" aspects of another culture into its own. However, this is different than American hip-hop adopting Bollywood moves or fusing Thai ingredients into Mexican cuisine. In cultural appropriation, a dominant group assimilates aspects of a foreign culture without regard to their original use or intent. In other words, parts of one culture might be absorbed into another in insensitive or offensive ways, often for their perceived exoticism or cool factor. This practice extends to the religious and spiritual practices of other cultures, as well. Thus, in America, we've seen hipsters embrace Dia de los Muertos, the popularization of sacred Tibetan symbols as tattoos, celebrities sporting Kabbalah string bracelets, and the labeling of a clean, Asian-influenced design as "Zen" style. Each of these is misunderstood and, in turn, misapplied; and yet each has seeped into pop culture. How have you seen the religious iconography of other cultures absorbed into the American mainstream? And what of those instances when a particular culture is offended by the use of their religion in our culture, such as Buddhists objecting to Victoria's Secret's Buddha-themed bikini? What is the line between borrowing, often sacred, cultural artifacts and misusing them? Do we truly respect and understand the traditions of Ojibwa dreamcatchers, or Maori tribal tattoos, or Siddha Yoga chants when we engage them?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• "Kanji Tattoos are Primarily for Western Eyes” (Japan Times)
• "On Hipsters/Hippies and Native Culture" (Bitch)  
• "Día de los Muertos: Cultural Appropriation Meets Craft" (ONTD Feminism)
• "The Conversation on Cultural Appropriation" (The White Hindu)

Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly two-full pages in length

Due: We 9.28

Assignment: Editorial Essay

Since September 11th, 2001, America has wrestled with understanding Islam, the second-largest religion in the world. And while many Americans seized on those tragic events to learn more about the faith, others turned to prejudice and hate. Thus, a sad byproduct of those attacks has been the rise in American society of Islamophobia, an irrational fear or prejudice towards Islam and Muslims. In their book, Islamophobia: Making Muslims the Enemy, Peter Gottschalk and Gabriel Greenberg chronicle the ways in which our culture has demonized Islam over the past ten years. They argue that American politicians and media have used Muslims as polarizing figures in American society, painting them in the broadest strokes possible. As a result, not only does prejudice run rampant, so too does ignorance. In a concise editorial, explain how you believe we, as a society, should address this issue. How do we start a national dialogue about the ways this is negatively impacting Americans—Muslim and non-Muslim alike? And what are some of the most challenging aspects of Islamophobia to confront? To support your thesis, cite evidence from Islamophobia: Making Muslims the Enemy, one article you find on your own, and at least two articles/clips below:

• “Making Islamophobia Mainstream” (FAIR)
• Interview with Geert Wilders from Glenn Beck (FoxNews)
• Interview with Rep. Keith Ellison from Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO)
• “Islamophobia: Media Myth?” (FoxNews)
• “Islamophobiapalooza”from The Daily Show (Comedy Central)
• Interview with Rep. Keith Ellison from Glenn Beck (CNN)
  

Requirements:

• MLA Style, including parenthetical citation and works cited
• 3-page minimum
• Cite from Islamophobia: Making Muslims the Enemy, one article you find on your own, and at least two articles/clips above 

The best papers:

• Have a title that articulates its point of view
• Stay within the parameters of the subject matter
• Have a concise thesis which clearly outlines a position
• Are written in a voice that is casual, yet informed
• Clearly support their thesis with solid evidence and a logical structure, citing from Islamophobia: Making Muslims the Enemy, one found article, and at least two articles/clips above
• Conclude with a summation of the argument
• Properly cite evidence using MLA's parenthetical citation method
• Are in compliance with MLA Style

Sample editorials from the New York Times:

• "Eggheads and Blockheads" by Maureen Dowd
  
• "Where the Jobs Aren't" by David Brooks
• "Is It Weird Enough Yet?" by Thomas L. Friedman
• "In Honor of Teachers" by Charles M. Blow
• "It's Still the 9/11 Era" by Russ Douthat

Due: Mo 9.26

Week 05: Santerians

A woman has her fortune told by a Santeria priestess in Havana

Mo 9.19
Read: ISLAM—p. 89-152; eR—“Making Islamophobia Mainstream” (FAIR), Interview with Geert Wilders from Glenn Beck (FoxNews), Interview with Rep. Keith Ellison from Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO)
Class: Reading discussion; Lecture—“MLA and Works Cited;” Presentaions (Sec. 3: Khuloud Rasheed and Erika Vasquez; Rachael Valdez & Christina Huy); Assignment—Editorial essay

We 9.21
Class: Watch—Religulous (2008)

UPCOMING: 

Week 6
Mo 9.26
Read: eR—“The Crusade Against Evolution” (Wired), “Intelligent Designer” (Salon), “In Defense of Evolution” (NOVA), “God by the Numbers” (ChristianityToday)
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Lecture—“Easy Fixes: 10 Grammar Rules to Know”
Due: EDITORIAL ESSAY 

We 9.28
Read: eR—“Paul Bettany’s Journey to the Dawn of Creation” (Vanity Fair), “Governor Perry, Like Many Christians, Wants to Leave Room for God” (Washington Post), “Teaching Evolution: A State-by-State Debate” (NPR)
Class: Lecture—“Spirituality on Film”
Due: REFLECTION 3

Assignment: Research Paper

Often, much of what we know about a faith comes via the media. In fact, it is often television series that most explore specific belief systems. Representations might vary from accurate and objective to stereotypical and biased, even offensive.

For your research paper, you will examine the representation of faith (or lack of faith) in a major American television series. The goals are to illustrate the ways in which a specific belief system is portrayed and to analyze that portrayal's impact on the general perception of those beliefs.

Requirements:

• Minimum 10 pages in length
• MLA Style, including parenthetical citation
• Minimum of 6 outside sources—at least 3 from peer-reviewed academic texts—listed in a separate Works Cited page
• Examine at least 4 relevant episodes of a major American television series (see list below)

Include in your research paper:

• A clear thesis, arguing how this particular faith (or lack of faith) is portrayed in a specific television program
• An analysis of:: 

• The program's representation of one belief system—via specific characters, plot lines, themes, etc. 
• The media's historical representation of this particular belief system
• A contrasting view of this belief system via a secondary source

• At least one secondary television program to compare and contrasted with your primary source
• A conclusion that illustrates an understanding of this intersection of faith and media.

The primary focus of your paper should be on one of the following television shows; your secondary source may also come from this list:

1. 30 Rock (NBC)
2. 7th Heaven (The WB)
   
3. Battlestar Galactica (2004 remake; Syfy)
4. Big Bang Theory (CBS)
5. Big Love (HBO)
6. Bones (FOX)
   
7. Boston Legal (ABC)
8. Breaking Bad (AMC)
   
9. Caprica (Syfy)
   
10. Carnivale (HBO)
11. Charmed (The WB)
12. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (CBS)
13. Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO)
14. Dexter (Showtime)
    
15. Family Guy (FOX)
16. Futurama (FOX)
    
17. Gilmore Girls (The WB)
    
18. Glee (FOX)
19. The Golden Girls (NBC)
    
20. Highway to Heaven (NBC)
    
21. House (FOX)
    
22. Joan of Arcadia (CBS)
    
23. Little House on the Prairie (NBC)
24. The Living Dead (AMC)
25. Lost (ABC)
26. Mad Men (AMC)
27. The O.C. (FOX)
28. The Office (NBC)
29. Scrubs (NBC/ABC)
    
30. The Secret life of the American Teenager (ABC Family)
31. Seinfeld (NBC)
    
32. The Simpsons (FOX)
    
33. Six Feet Under (HBO)
34. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (Syndicated)
    
35. Star Trek: The Next Generation (Syndicated)
36. That 70's Show (FOX)
    
37. Touched By an Angel (CBS)
    
38. True Blood (HBO)
39. The Tudors (Showtime)
    
40. The Waltons (CBS)
41. The Wire (HBO)
42. The X-Files (FOX)

Due: We 11.16 (Draft 1); Mo 11.28 (Draft 2); Mo 12.5 (Final Draft)

News Roundup 9.14.11

Should Vatican officials be held accountable for abuses by priests?

• Abuse victims to International Criminal Court: Prosecute the Vatican New York Times 
• A look at the bathtub Marys of Kentucky San Francisco Chronicle
• Federal appeals court to teacher: Take down down religious banners UPI
• US State Department: Arab Spring revolutions a potential threat to religious freedoms International Business Times
• Americans increasingly tailoring religion to fit individual needs USA Today
• Couple offers insight into abstinence until marriage in new book PRWeb

Week 04: Mormons

Missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Mo 9.12
Read: ISLAM—p. 13-60
Class: Reading discussion; Lecture—"Steps of the Writing Process"

We 9.14
Read: ISLAM—p. 61-88; eR—“Islamophobia: Media Myth?” (FoxNews), “Islamophobiapalooza”from The Daily Show (Comedy Central), Interview with Rep. Keith Ellison from Glenn Beck (CNN)
Class: LITERARY ANALYSIS/SHORT ANSWER RESPONSE
Due: REFLECTION 2

UPCOMING:

Week 5
Mo 9.19
Read: ISLAM—p. 89-152; eR—“Making Islamophobia Mainstream” (FAIR), Interview with Geert Wilders from Glenn Beck (FoxNews), Interview with Rep. Keith Ellison from Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO)
Class: Reading discussion; Lecture—“MLA and Works Cited;” Assignment—Editorial essay

We 9.21
Class: Watch—Religulous (2008)
Due: EDITORIAL ESSAY

News Roundup 9.10.11

• Miley Cyrus turns to Hinduism for new tattoo Times of India
• The chutzpah: Mel Gibson to make film about Jewish hero Daily Variety
• Former Christian Dior designer convicted in French court of making anti-Semitic remarks  The Hollywood Reporter
• "Mixed bag" for American Muslims since September 11th CBS News
• High school senior booted from Christian school after admitting she's a lesbian WTIC-TV Hartford
• Young evangelicals split over same-sex marriage Washington Post

Reflection 2—Who Decides?: The WTC Cross Debate

Should this cross-like WTC remnant be part of the official memorial?

As our nation commemorates the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, a debate has arisen over a peculiar artifact from the attacks. The item in question is a pair of steel beams from the World Trade Center rubble that resemble a Christian cross. While some people find comfort in the cross as a symbol of hope, faith, and healing, others object to the use of a religious symbol in a national memorial. American Atheists, an atheist advocacy group, has even gone so far as to sue to keep the cross out of any official tribute. Where do you think the cross should go? Is it appropriate to be placed it as part of The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, or should it placed somewhere else? What would you do to resolve this controversy?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• "Atheists Object to '9/11 Cross'" (Atlantic)
• "The WTC Cross Still Inspiring Debate" (Gather)
• "Why the WTC Cross Does Not Belong at the 9/11 Memorial" (Guardian)
• "9/11 WTC Memorial Cross Supported by 72 Percent of Americans" (Christian Post)

Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly two-full pages in length

Due: We 9.15

Week 03: Shintoists

A torii gate indicates a place is a sacred Shinto site.

Mo 9.5
No Class: Labor Day

We 9.7
Read: Gdocs—Excerpt from The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, “NippleJesus” by Nick Hornby, “This Blessed House” by Jhumpa Lahiri, Excerpt from Snow by Orhan Pamuk
Class: DIAGNOSTIC ESSAY

News Roundup 9.2.11

• Chaz Bono on Dancing with the Stars: Not how God intended it? Forbes
• Just in time to commemorate September 11th: A disturbing anti-Muslin coloring book for kids The Guardian
• Do we need a separation of church and weather? CityWatch
  
• Influential American rabbi on same-sex marriage in America: "in 10 years, maybe less, maybe more, it won't be an issue" The Jewish Chronicle
• The Vatican blasts NYC schools' "magical trust in the effectiveness of sex education" Huffington Post
• Florida pastor: Atheists are like sex offenders, should be put onto a national registry New York Magazine