RELI 216 – Encountering Religions Final Exam

RELI 216 – Encountering Religions - Final Exam – 30% 2500-3000 words (references extra)

 

In approaching the final exam please keep in mind the overall intent of the course – development of your religious literacy, specifically as it relates to diversity within and across religious traditions that influence interreligious relations.

 

Theme:

 

A friend or work colleague or relative of no specific religious background has just found out that you have completed an Encountering Religion course. They recognize that religious diversity is increasingly part of the social conversation, and yet they have had very little exposure to religious people or ideas. Essentially they self-describe as being religiously illiterate.

 

They wondered if you could prepare for them a short report of what you learned in the course that highlights key talking points they can reference for better understanding interreligious encounters.

 

In response, prepare a report in four parts highlighting the following issues – 2500 - 3000 words or 7 to 10 pages double-space, with bibliography extra. The grading weight for each part is in parenthesis. No outside sources. (more details about expected content for each section on the next page)

 

Part A. Challenge of Religious Illiteracy (approximately 1-2 pages – 15%)

 

Part B. Theoretical approaches for Understanding Interreligious Relations – working with TWO course reader chapters and TWO additional course resources (Approximately 3-6 pages and weighted at 45%)

 

Part C: Assessment of Medium for delivering the message or approaches for understanding. Interfaith relations – Compare and contrast TWO unique resources (Approximately 2-4 pages 30%)

 

Part D: Reflection on the Future of Interfaith Relations – work with TWO resources from Lesson 12 (approximately 1-2 pages – 10%)

 

Part A. Challenge of Religious Illiteracy: Offer a brief account of the challenge religious illiteracy poses in contemporary society. Here work with resources in lessons one, two and twelve, plus your own reflections on the course content. (approximately 1-2 pages – 15%) choose 3 resources one from lesson one, two and twelve. One from each

 

Lesson 1: choose one

 

1. Kessler, Gary. E. 2008. “Thinking about Being a Student of Religion”.  In Studying Religion:  An Introduction Through Cases – Third Edition. New York, NY:  McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.  pp. 1-13. [Course Pack pp.3-12  - ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE COURSE RESERVE FOLDER AT THE LIBRARY - Course Reserve Link: http://reserves.concordia.ca/ares/ares.dll/plink?14EEED5F]

 

2. Prothero, Stephen. 2009. “Excerpts from ‘introduction’ to religious illiteracy: what every American needs to know – and doesn’t.” The Council of Societies for the Study of Religion Bulletin 38, no. 2: 30-34.http://reserves.concordia.ca/ares/ares.dll/plink?14EF1076

 

3. "Opinions on Religion in Canada". Online. Published by Cardus on December 4, 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8EKBhGZWBs

 

4. "3FF's Interfaith Education Workshops". Online. Published by the Faith and Belief Forum on January 8, 2013. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQR4QGsc2sA

 

5. List of Terms included in the Stephen Prothero Religious Illiteracy Dictionary. List compiled by members of St. Peters Episcopal Church in Delmar. The list was part of a list of resources for a workshop series on World Religions conducted in 2013 (http://www.stpetersdelmar.net/WorldReligions ). You can view the list at: http://www.stpetersdelmar.net/files/forums/dictionary_of_religious_literacy.pdf

 

Lesson 2: choose one

 

1. Vishanoff, David.  2013.  “Boundaries and Encounters”.  In Understanding Interreligious Encounters.  Edited by David Cheetham, Douglas Pratt and David Thomas.  Oxford, UK:  Oxford University Press.  pp. 341 - 364.

 

2. Phan, Peter C. and Jonathan Y. Tan.  2013.  “Interreligious Majority-Minority Dynamics”.  In Understanding Interreligious Encounters.  Edited by David Cheetham, Douglas Pratt and David Thomas.  Oxford, UK:  Oxford University Press.  pp. 218-240.

 

Note: READ THE FIRST 10 PAGES AND SKIM THE REST.

 

3. Pratt, Douglas. 2013. “Fundamentalism, Exclusivism, and Religious Extremism”. In Understanding Interreligious Encounters. Edited by David Cheetham, Douglas Pratt and David Thomas. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. pp. 241-261.

 

WEBSITES / VIDEOS / INTERNET RESOURCES:

 

4. Pew Research Institute. “How Americans Feel About Religious Groups Jews, Catholics & Evangelicals:  Rated Warmly, Atheists and Muslims More Coldly”. Online.  Posted by PEW on July 16, 2014. http://www.pewforum.org/2014/07/16/how-americans-feel-about-religious-groups/

 

5. "#MakeFriends". Online. Published by Make Friends on June 14, 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGMQsJ0VzAk

 

lesson 12: choose one

 

COURSEPACK / RESERVED READING:  (Access available through the library reserve readings)

 

1. Joseph, Howard. 2005. “Humility: the Ethic of Faith”. Online. Prepared for and posted on eConcordia course RELI216: Encountering Religions. http://www.econcordia.com/courses/world_religions/lesson12/docs/humility_ethics.pdf

 

2. Abu-Nimer, Mohammed. 2015. “Religion and Peacebuilding: Reflections on current Challenges and Future Prospects”. Journal of Interreligious Studies. Vol 16. March 2015. pp. 14-29. http://irstudies.org/journal/religion-and-peacebuilding-reflections-on-current-challenges-and-future-prospects-by-mohammed-abu-nimer-2/

 

WEBSITES / VIDEOS / INTERNET RESOURCES:

 

3. With One Voice - Trailer. Online. Posted by AliveMind November 5, 2009. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzlnQ1Z-Fzw&index=1&list=PLNtz-qk4j11EvS-kwVTH6XG120p7SX1if

 

4. “Religious Tolerance is a MUST!” Online. Posted by Bhikkhu Samahita as part of a series on respecting religious beliefs produced by http://what-buddha-said.net. YouTube video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PsRgO3vXbk

 

5. Todd, Douglas. “Are schools pushing aboriginal and 'Buddhist' spirituality?” Online. Vancouver Sun. Published on: November 19, 2016.http://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/douglas-todd-are-schools-pushing-aboriginal-and-buddhist-spirituality.

 

Part A: contains 3 sources+ reflection on the course content which you can generate after completing the paper.

 

Part B. Theoretical Approaches: Highlight theoretical approaches for better understanding of the challenges, issues and approaches found within interreligious relations. Use references to at least TWO specific chapters in the course reader and at least TWO other course resources (reserve readings, web resources, video lectures). Include specific references to course materials to support the descriptions you offer. (Approximately 4-6 pages and weighted at 45%)

 

1. Some theoretical options you may develop for this section include:

 

Choose two from this group : Potential Course Reader Chapters – select two or more

 

1. David Vishanoff: Boundaries and Encounters

 

2. Peter Phan and Jonathan Tan: Interreligious Majority-Minority Dynamics

 

3. Douglas Pratt: Fundamentalism, Exclusivism, and Religious Extremism.

 

4. Marianne Moyaert: Interreligious Dialogue

 

5. Nicholas Adams: Interreligious Engagement in the Public Sphere

 

6. Paul Weller: Interreligious Cooperation

 

Choose two from this group : Potential additional course resources – select two or more

 

1. Pew Research Institute Website Pew Research Institute. “Religion” Tab (take 20+ minutes to surf through the various sub-menu topics and associated articles and content).  Online.  Official Website:  http://www.pewforum.org/  (include your access date in the bibliography)

 

2. Center for Study of Global Christianity Website

 

3. Interfaith Youth Core Website : Interfaith Youth Corps. Online. Official Website. https://www.ifyc.org/

 

4. Darrol Bryant: The Abrahamic faiths and the question for dialogue : Bryant, M Darrol. 2007. "The Abrahamic faiths and the quest for dialogue: does common ancestry make for good relations?" Dialogue & Alliance 21, no. 1: 9-25.  http://0-search.ebscohost.com.mercury.concordia.ca/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rfh&AN=ATLA0001675102&site=eds-live

 

5. Karla Suomala: Complex religious identity in the context of interfaith dialogue Suomala, Karla. 2012. "Complex religious identity in the context of interfaith dialogue." Cross Currents 62, no. 3: 360-370.      http://0-search.ebscohost.com.mercury.concordia.ca/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rfh&AN=ATLA0001918029&site=eds-live

 

6. Eboo Patel: Religious Diversity and Cooperation on Campus : E boo Patel (2007) “Religious Diversity and Cooperation on Campus”, Journal of College and Character, 9:2, DOI: 10.2202/1940-1639.1120 http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2202/1940-1639.1120

 

1. Expert video lectures or podcasts : you can use yoga interview if you want

 

1. Other course materials – video lectures, readings, web-based resources : you can choose any web source you didn’t use or course material such as readings.

 

For part B you should have four resources – 2 from 1st group and 2 from the second group

 

Part C. Assessing the Medium of the Message: Using specific course materials for support, offer your assessment of the medium used to circulate information about interfaith relations. Discuss TWO OR MORE particular (i.e. different or distinct) approaches to disseminating information about interreligious relations and how it contributes to this social conversation. For each try to profile both the benefits and drawbacks. Eg. Youtube videos are short and easily accessible yet the content may be limited or light (expand the conversation and include specific examples.) Whereas, Academic sources offer more depth about key aspects of a tradition or approach but the resource is often accessible only through university libraries or courses. In both cases draw upon specific examples to support your discussion. (Approximately 2 - 4 pages and weighted at 30%) Potential Course Resources to work with – select Two or more DIFFERENT or DISTINCT Mediums – i.e. one Youtube video and one website or one scholarly source, etc.

 

Choose two or more different sources from this section and you must provide examples. Everything explained above in part C

 

Youtube Videos: such as Zach Anner, Chicago Police, Gil Shuster, Parliament of World’s Religion–Interfaith minute.

 

1. Gil-Shuster, Corey. “The Ask Project:  ‘ Israelis: What do you think of converts to Judaism?’”.  Online. Published May 8, 2016.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpLPgVzRGgY

 

"Why Do Hasidic Jews Dress So Differently". Online. Posted August 4, 2015  https://vimeo.com/135414555

 

2. Parliament of the World’s Religions – Interfaith Minute Video Series. Online. PWR YouTube channel. View 7 videos.  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzTLeNezAXqsPeRW1009QgbWUOTWfR8xW

 

3. Islam (Training Documentary By The Chicago Police Department) Produced In 2000.  Online.  Published by Secabol  on January 7, 2014. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYPsLnEB0nI&list=PL9R6tKBsWBOUAzr9akSPTIOG1A6s4VuXu

 

4. "Powerful Message to ISIS | By Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman" Online. Published by IslamicMedia Entertainment on July 28, 2016.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7WXM0Jr2y4

 

5. Successful Day at a Mosque | Have a Little Faith with Zach Anner, Online. Published on October 4, 2013. SoulPanecake

 

6. Learn About Karma and Hinduism | Have a Little Faith with Zach Anner, Online. Published on May 15, 2014. SoulPancake website. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-NzVIwyZso

 

7. Chicago Police Training Film: Hinduism Sensitivity & Awareness.  Online.  Published on Aug 21, 2016.    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veJx-5GtsgE

 

8. Chicago Police Training Film : Buddhism Sensitivity & Awareness.  Online.  Published on Aug 21, 2016.    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RhuT2e7EJM  

 

9. indu, Sikh, Jain, and Muslim Leaders coming together in INterFaith. Online. Posted by the Nchtuk on April 17, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUtKQPB3ybk

 

TED Talks: Interfaith Amigos, Karima Bennoune - The side of terrorism that doesn’t make headlines, Dalia Mogahed - What do you think when you look at me?

 

Websites: Interfaith Family (Lesson 3), Parliament of World Religions (Lesson 7), Concordia Multi-faith and Spirituality Centre (Lesson 8), Interfaith Network (Lesson 8), Yoga International (Lesson 9)

 

Interfaith Family.  “Jewish Food Cheat Sheet”. Online. Published August 7, 2009. http://www.interfaithfamily.com/holidays/shabbat_and_other_holidays/A_Jewish_Food_Cheat_Sheet.shtml#Gs

 

Parliament of the World’s Religions – Interfaith Minute Video Series. Online. PWR YouTube channel. View 7 videos.  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzTLeNezAXqsPeRW1009QgbWUOTWfR8xW

 

Concordia Multi-faith and Spirituality Centre. Online. Official website. https://www.concordia.ca/students/spirituality.html  (spend 20+ minutes on the site)

 

Interfaith Youth Corps. Online. Official Website. https://www.ifyc.org/

 

Misiak, Anna. 2015.  “Why We Practice: A Short History of Yoga in the West”.  Online. Yoga International website.  Posted on October 30, 2015. https://yogainternational.com/article/view/why-we-practice-a-short-history-of-yoga-in-the-west

 

Interfaith Activities: ‘Holi Toledo’ (article Lesson 2); Concordia Multi-faith and Spirituality Centre (Lesson 8), Interfaith Youth Corps (Lesson 8), Golden Rule Poster,

 

1. Diller, Jeanine, and Ibtissam Gad.  “Holi Toledo”.  Online.  Official Website of Interreligious Studies. Interviews Tab.  Posted on March 31, 2015. http://irstudies.org/articles/holi-toledo-by-jeanine-diller-and-ibtissam-gad/

 

2. Interfaith Youth Corps. Online. Official Website. https://www.ifyc.org/

 

3. “Youth and Interfaith Dialogue – A directory of Organizations”.  Online. Official

 

4. website of Scarboro Missions. https://www.scarboromissions.ca/interfaith-dialogue/youth-and-interfaith-dialogue-a-directory-of-organizations/5

 

5. “Golden Rule Interfaith Poster”. Online. Official website of Scarboro Missions.

 

Online encyclopedias – eg. Wikipedia

 

Popular culture posts – news items (online newspapers, radio, TV), blogs, etc.

 

Academic sources: Course Reader, Encyclopedia of Religion, Encyclopedia of Islam, Academic Articles, Expert Video lectures and podcasts: if you will choose a source from this group just choose a chapter from the course reader.

 

Part C: you should have at least two different sources one video and one website or academic source for example

 

D. Reflections for the Future: Close with a short reflection highlighting how the course and course content has contributed to your impressions about the future of interfaith relations – be sure to work with at least TWO resources from Lesson 12. (approximately 1-2 pages – 10%)

 

Choose two different sources from the following to use one from the coursepack reading and one from the website, video and Internet resources:

 

COURSEPACK / RESERVED READING:  (Access available through the library reserve readings)

 

3. Joseph, Howard. 2005. “Humility: the Ethic of Faith”. Online. Prepared for and posted on eConcordia course RELI216: Encountering Religions. http://www.econcordia.com/courses/world_religions/lesson12/docs/humility_ethics.pdf

 

4. Abu-Nimer, Mohammed. 2015. “Religion and Peacebuilding: Reflections on current Challenges and Future Prospects”. Journal of Interreligious Studies. Vol 16. March 2015. pp. 14-29. http://irstudies.org/journal/religion-and-peacebuilding-reflections-on-current-challenges-and-future-prospects-by-mohammed-abu-nimer-2/

 

WEBSITES / VIDEOS / INTERNET RESOURCES:

 

6. With One Voice - Trailer. Online. Posted by AliveMind November 5, 2009. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzlnQ1Z-Fzw&index=1&list=PLNtz-qk4j11EvS-kwVTH6XG120p7SX1if

 

7. “Religious Tolerance is a MUST!” Online. Posted by Bhikkhu Samahita as part of a series on respecting religious beliefs produced by http://what-buddha-said.net. YouTube video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PsRgO3vXbk

 

8. Todd, Douglas. “Are schools pushing aboriginal and 'Buddhist' spirituality?” Online. Vancouver Sun. Published on: November 19, 2016.http://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/douglas-todd-are-schools-pushing-aboriginal-and-buddhist-spirituality.