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RELIGIOUS
STUDIES 2102
RELIGIOUS
STUDIES 2102
Fall, 2005
INTRODUCTION TO ASIAN RELIGIONS
MWF 12:00-12:50 p.m.
Instructor: J. Daniel White, Office:
Macy 208B
Office Hours: MWF 10-11 a.m. and by appointment
Telephone: 704-687-4601; email:
jdwhite@email.uncc.edu
OBJECTIVES: To explore the nature of religious sensibilities in several
of the world's cultures and to discuss ways in which myths and rituals are
used to apprehend the sacred and influence these cultures. By virtue of
its emphasis on the religious literature and ideas of Asian religions,
this course meets either of two general education goals: Literature and
Ideas (L) or Cross-Cultural and/or International Emphasis (X).
TEXTS: Eliade, Mircea. The Sacred and
the Profane
Peters, Francis. A Reader
on Classical Islam
O'Flaherty, Wendy D. Hindu
Myths
Conze, Edward. Buddhist
Scriptures
(additional readings will be
assigned below)
REQUIREMENTS:
* Read all materials assigned.
* Be prepared to discuss readings in class.
* Take the three examinations when given in class and
five brief reading tests on days for which the reading has been assigned.
The scores on these reading tests will be combined to create an additional
examination grade for a total of four grades from which your final grade
will be determined. Make-ups are not given for reading tests. Only under
extraordinary circumstances are make-ups given for the major examinations
and you must notify me before the test why you are unable to take a major
exam at the scheduled time.
GRADING; ABSENCES:
Based on test grades and class attendance. If you
enter the class after your name has been called, please remind the
instructor immediately after class or an absence is recorded for
that day, no exceptions to this. If you arrive in class late for 3
days after your name has been called, this will be counted as one absence;
if late for 6 days after your name has been called, another absence will
be recorded. With more than six (6) absences from class (regardless),
you will not pass the course. Therefore, please save allowed absences for
illness, business appointments, work-related requirements, etc. If you
experience a serious illness during the term and are absent frequently,
you may want to drop the course due to illness or work on your problem
with the Office of Disability Services.
COURSE CITIZENSHIP: Please see appendix regarding academic integrity,
personal integrity and attendance. Recently, universities have noted an
increase in attitudes and behavior that are disrupting the process of
learning for students and faculty. Please note that uncivil behavior is
not tolerated. This includes (but is not limited to) students talking
and/or making disruptive noises when the instructor is talking or when
other students are discussing something with the professor and other
members of the class; entering class after the roll has been called
thereby interrupting class; being uncivil in act or speech to the
instructor or fellow students; in any way abusing public or private
property in the classroom, etc. Those who encourage or participate in
such behavior beyond an initial reminder may be subject to permanent
dismissal from the course in order that others may continue to be part of
a community that wishes to learn.
CLASS PERIOD TOPICS AND READING
ASSIGNMENTS
PART ONE
MYTH, SYMBOL AND CULTURAL IDENTITY
1 Introduction to the Course: What is Religion?
2 Cosmos and Culture
Eliade, Introduction
3 Cosmos and Culture
Chapter 1
4 Myth and Ritual
Eliade, chapter 2
5 Symbolism, Birth and Rebirth
Eliade, Chapter 3, 4
PART TWO THE ISLAMIC TRADITION
6 Islam: Its Western Asiatic Background
"Islam: An Overview" article on reserve in the
library
7 Muhammad, The Seal of the Prophets
Peters, pp.
xv-xvi and 3-7, 43-58
8 The Quran, God, Eschatology, The Prophets
Peters, pp. 99-109, 158-161, 392-401
9 The Five Pillars: Profession, Prayer, Alms,
Fasting
Peters, pp. 150-152, 279-289
10 The Five Pillars: Pilgrimage
11 Shi'a Islam
12 Sufi Islam
Peters, 310-312, 338-342;“Sufi Literature” on reserve in the library)
13 Film on Islamic Mysticism
14 Islam and Art
15 Islam in South and
Southeast Asia
16 Test on Parts I and II
PART
THREE THE HINDU AND BUDDHIST TRADITIONS
17 Indian Religions and Cultures
"Hinduism" article on reserve in Library
18 Indigenous Beginnings: The
Indus Valley and Beyond
19 The Vedas and Brahmanical Religion
20 Questioning Religious Priorities
Read "Katha Upanisad" in the Indian
text called "The Upanisads" on reserve in the Library
21 Yoga, Guru and Dhyana
22 Religion and Society in
India
23 Classical Religion: Siva
Dimmitt, pp. 3-13, 147-154, 167-171,
203-206
24 Classical Religion: The Mother Goddess
Dimmitt, pp. 219-226, 229-232, 233-238
25 Classical Religion: Visnu
Dimmitt, pp. 59-65, 71-79, 80-82
26 The Way of Bhakti
Dimmitt, pp.
100-112, 114-117, 118-124
27,28 Village Religion,
Temples and Pilgrimage
29 Indian Saints
30 Test on the Hindu Tradition
31 Other Religious Developments as Buddhism Begins
Articles on "Jainism" and "Buddhism in
India" on reserve in the Library
32 The Life of the Historical Buddha
Conze, pp. 34-66
33 The Life of the Historical Buddha (continued)
34 Early Buddhist Teachings
Conze, pp. l86-l89, 98-l00, l46-l62
35,36, Theravada and Monastic Buddhism
Conze, pp. 70-77, 93-97
37,38 Early Mahayana Buddhism
Conze, pp. 24-33, l64-l68
39 Buddhist Art Reflecting the Tradition
40-41 Buddhism in
China and Japan
42 Buddhism in
Tibet
43 Buddhism Examination (on date
of Final Exam)
MWF 12:00 Exam is on December
14 from 12-1
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