What is Religion? Inconvenient Behavior, the End Times, & UFOs
RELI 151
Spring 2025
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01
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Is the American flag sacred? Does secularism protect religion from the government or the government from religion, or neither? Why did the FBI assault the Branch Davidians' compound near Waco, Texas thinking it was a cult, while those inside viewed the government as serving the anti-Christ? Why do many scholars of religion scoff at the idea of studying those who believe in UFOs but not those who believe in deities? This class will introduce you to the ways in which we study religions by reading critical case studies including those about Muslims debating the hijab, scholars who take seriously claims about the paranormal, and freedom of religion court cases. This is not a survey of world religions (and once you've taken What is Religion?, you'll know why we don't teach that at Wes). You will also have a critical set of intellectual tools for understanding the role of religion in the contemporary world that will help you ask informed questions about other religious traditions that you might encounter. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS RELI |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Major Requirement for: (RELI-MN)(RELI)(STS) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 50% - 74% |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Jeffrey Kripal, HOW TO THINK IMPOSSIBLY
Saba Mahmood, POLITICS OF PIETY
Winnifred Sullivan, THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Thomas Tweed, CROSSING AND DWELLING
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Examinations and Assignments:
Assignments include two critical papers dealing with scholarly evidence and argumentation. Two in-class tests and a final exam
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Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Attendance and participation are required. Students considering majoring or minoring in Religion should register for a letter grade.
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| Instructor(s): Gottschalk,Peter S. Times: ..T.R.. 02:50PM-04:10PM; Location: TBA |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 40 | | SR major: 0 | JR major: 0 | | |
| Seats Available: 40 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 0 | JR non-major: 0 | SO: 20 | FR: 20 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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