Religion In America Research Paper
RL ST 140Y.001 Polk
Religion in American Life and Thought Spring 2013
COURSE POLICIES AND OVERVIEW
Instructor: Senior Lecturer Bryan Polk Email: bep3@psu.edu
Classroom: 208 Sutherland Class Times: 9:30-10:45 TR
Office: 323 Sutherland Telephone: 215/881-7548
Office Hours: 11:00-12:00 MW; By Appointment 1:00-2:00 MW, 1:30-2:30 TR
Catalogue Description: (GH; US) (3) “The function, contributions, tensions, and perspectives of religion in American culture.”
The United States is arguably one of the most religious nations in the contemporary world. In the milieu of a dizzying diversity when it comes to religious expressions, many Americans participate more actively in their religions than virtually any other …show more content…
Religion in America (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson, 2006. Meacham, Jon. American Gospel. New York: Random House, 2006. The Bible (preferably The New Revised Standard Version).
These books are available now at a college bookstore near you and should be acquired immediately. There is an assignment in both books for the first week. There are/will be dozens of postings on ANGEL to supplement this book. Some of these will also be required readings throughout the semester.
Continued….
RL ST 140Y—page 3 Polk
Grades: Grades in this course are calculated on a 1,000 point system: A = 930 points or more; C+ = 770-799 points; A- = 900-929 points; C = 700-769 points; B+ = 870-899 points; D = 600-699 points; B = 830-869 points; F = below 600 points. B- = 800-829 points;
Your grade for this course will be based on five components of varying weights: Class Participation 200 points Questions for Speakers (see below) 200 points Quizzes (best 4 x 50 points) 200 points Paper #1 150 points Paper #2 250 points
Missed quizzes cannot be made up and may not be …show more content…
To the “uninitiated,” this academic approach can be an unsettling experience. Some people are uncomfortable looking at their own religious tradition in an analytical manner, and they are very uncomfortable listening to others—outsiders—doing this. If you perceive yourself to be in this kind of situation, you need to get beyond it immediately. The goal of this course is not faith, but understanding, although these are not necessarily conflicting goals. As Anselm, an 11th century Christian bishop, noted, “Fides Quarens Intellectum”: “Faith in Search
Religion in American Life and Thought Spring 2013
COURSE POLICIES AND OVERVIEW
Instructor: Senior Lecturer Bryan Polk Email: bep3@psu.edu
Classroom: 208 Sutherland Class Times: 9:30-10:45 TR
Office: 323 Sutherland Telephone: 215/881-7548
Office Hours: 11:00-12:00 MW; By Appointment 1:00-2:00 MW, 1:30-2:30 TR
Catalogue Description: (GH; US) (3) “The function, contributions, tensions, and perspectives of religion in American culture.”
The United States is arguably one of the most religious nations in the contemporary world. In the milieu of a dizzying diversity when it comes to religious expressions, many Americans participate more actively in their religions than virtually any other …show more content…
Religion in America (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson, 2006. Meacham, Jon. American Gospel. New York: Random House, 2006. The Bible (preferably The New Revised Standard Version).
These books are available now at a college bookstore near you and should be acquired immediately. There is an assignment in both books for the first week. There are/will be dozens of postings on ANGEL to supplement this book. Some of these will also be required readings throughout the semester.
Continued….
RL ST 140Y—page 3 Polk
Grades: Grades in this course are calculated on a 1,000 point system: A = 930 points or more; C+ = 770-799 points; A- = 900-929 points; C = 700-769 points; B+ = 870-899 points; D = 600-699 points; B = 830-869 points; F = below 600 points. B- = 800-829 points;
Your grade for this course will be based on five components of varying weights: Class Participation 200 points Questions for Speakers (see below) 200 points Quizzes (best 4 x 50 points) 200 points Paper #1 150 points Paper #2 250 points
Missed quizzes cannot be made up and may not be …show more content…
To the “uninitiated,” this academic approach can be an unsettling experience. Some people are uncomfortable looking at their own religious tradition in an analytical manner, and they are very uncomfortable listening to others—outsiders—doing this. If you perceive yourself to be in this kind of situation, you need to get beyond it immediately. The goal of this course is not faith, but understanding, although these are not necessarily conflicting goals. As Anselm, an 11th century Christian bishop, noted, “Fides Quarens Intellectum”: “Faith in Search