MR520: Popular Religious Beliefs and Practice: “At-Risk” Populations (4 units)

R. Daniel Shaw, Professor of Anthropology and Translation
Spring 2007 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

The Koran, the Vedas, the Torah, the Analects of Confucius, the Bible -- the theological texts of every religion are esthetically beautiful works. But anyone who has engaged in ministry with real people knows that the way they actually experience and practice religion is often quite different from the ideal forms reflected in their holy writings. This course will use anthropological tools to map the relationships between a people's actual religious beliefs, values and experiences, religious practitioners and the cultural institutions that support them. It will give special attention to how these dynamics often impact (and possibly create) at-risk populations in every society: women, children, and other marginalized groups.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Students will be able to appropriate an analytical model for religious understanding.
• Students will recognize “at-risk” elements and their attendant beliefs and practices within a social context.
• Students will be able to appreciate and exegete ritual and ceremony relevant to the well being of all people within a socio-religious context.
• Students will be able to make appropriate Christian responses and apply missiological understanding.

COURSE FORMAT: Lectures, films, and classroom discussion in an intensive format will provide opportunity for learning.

REQUIRED READING:

Hiebert, P. G., R. D. Shaw & T. Tienou. Understanding Folk Religion: A Christian Response to Popular Beliefs and Practices. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1999.
Moro, P., Myers, J., & Lehmann, A. (eds). Magic, Witchcraft and Religion. 7^th ed. Palo Alto, CA: Mayfield Publishing Co. 2006,
Shaw, R.D. Course Syllabus & Reader. FTS, 2007.
Student’s choice of book or articles pertaining to an “at-risk” social element within a designated cultural environment and relate to a religious experience of the student's choice.

ASSIGNMENTS:

Reading and an annotated bibliography. One short paper based on observations of a religious context unfamiliar to the student. Choice of writing a 20 ± page paper on subject of choice, or take a final exam. Th.M students add: A two-page paper indicating how this course content fits into the conceptualization, research and writing of a thesis. Either apply the field experience to the thesis or read one extra book that applies insight from folk religion theory to the topic or region of the world in focus in the thesis.

PREREQUISITES: None. Cultural Anthropology helpful but not required.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective. Serves as a “World” competency course for the School of Intercultural Studies.

FINAL EXAM: Choice

Last Date Edited: February 19, 2007