REL 3131:
Sects and Cults Course Calendar
Texts
Assignments
Grades CALENDAR JAN 10 Introduction to course; syllabus, course policies;
Concepts and definitions JAN 17 Cult formation; preconceptions
READ: Dawson, Intro, Ch. 1, 2 JAN 24 The appeal of new religions;
Who Joins NRMs? Brainwashing
uiz on Dawson, chs. 1-4
READ: Dawson, ch. 3, 4 JAN 31 America: birthplace of new religions
READ: Jenkins, ch. 1 FEB 7 Early American sectarianism and the Shakers
READ: Jenkins, ch. 2
LINKS to Shaker websites FEB 14 The 19th c. explosion of NRMs
Quiz on Jenkins, chs. 1-4
READ: Jenkins, ch. 3-4 FEB 21 Health, healing, and medical ethics
READ: Jenkins, ch. 5-6 FEB 28 20th c.: Asian-influenced movements
READ: Jenkins, ch. 7-8 MAR 7 Leaving nrms; the anti-cult movement
Quiz on Jenkins, ch. 5-9
READ: Jenkins, ch. 9 MAR 14 Suicide and risk
READ: Jenkins, ch. 10 ----------------------SPRING BREAK-----------------------------------
MAR 28 New Christian movements
Quiz on Jenkins, ch. 10-11
READ: Jenkins, ch. 11 APR 4 Holy war, christian identity, anti-abortionism
DUE: Essay assignment
READ: Dawson, ch. 5 APR 11 Paganism, wicca, internet religion
Quiz on Dawson, ch. 5-6
READ: Dawson, ch. 6
_______________________________________________________________ Note: "READ" = to be read by date shown on syllabus
"DUE" = to be handed in on the day shown on syllabus
Quizzes may include material from reading, lectures, and videos Nothing in the course should be construed as either an endorsement for nor a public indictment against any group(s).
Texts Lorne Dawson Comprehending Cults
Philip Jenkins Mystics and Messiahs
Assignment
Essay
| Write an essay to answer the question, What is the place of new religious movements in America? Your essay should take into consideration a host of subsidiary questions, such as --what kinds of new religions are there?
--what is the history of nrms in america?
--are nrms bad, good, or neutral
--how have nrms affected american law and government?
--how do nrms affect pre-existing religions?
--do nrms affect cultural mores, norms, and values?
--are nrms dangerous? If so, to whom, and how?
--what, if anything, should be "done" about cults?
This list could go on and on; it is meant only to be a starter list to get you thinking.
Add your own questions and reflections.
Don't just answer a list of questions, though.
Write a carefully considered, thoughtful essay that takes into account what you have learned in class, what you have read, and your own ideas and experiences. This is a kind of take-home final that gives you a chance to show what you have learned about new religious movements.
Try to demonstrate your overall knowledge.
The more detail and understanding you display, the better your essay will be. |
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