Week 10: We 02

Atheism (orig. unknown)

Sec 16:
Week 10: Mo 31
No Class—Cesar Chavez Day

Week 10: We 02
Readings: BLUE—p. 1-240
Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations, Lecture—“Constructing a Research Paper: A How-To”
Due: REFLECTION 05

Sec. 80:
Week 10: Mo 31
No Class—Cesar Chavez Day

Upcoming:

Sec. 16:
Week 11: Mo 07/We 09
Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations
Due: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Sec. 80:
Readings: BLUE—p. 1-240
Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Lecture—“Constructing a Research Paper: A How-To”
Due: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS; REFLECTION 05

Spiritual News 03.29.14

• Candace Cameron Bure aims to maintain her Christian beliefs while on Dancing with the Stars (ABC News)
• Pat Robertson: Woman's atheism might be due to rape or abuse (Kansas City Star)
• Creationist believe they are due equal time after Cosmos (Huffington Post)
• Does social media undermine religion? (Huffington Post)
• Can faith offer relief to addicts? (Wall Street Journal)
• UK survey: More Britons believe in ghosts than in God (Daily Mail)

Reflection 05: Thou Shalt Not—Reconciling American's Puritanical Roots

America is something of an anomaly in the world. As a culture, we bombard ourselves with sexual imagery, yet we find it difficult to have national conversations about sex. Today, Americans are more sexually open than ever before, but stigmas still exist about everything from premarital sex to masturbation to promiscuity. These are vestiges of our country's Puritanical roots. Considered overly radical and pious, the Puritans fled England, settling in North America in the 17th century. They brought with them their particularly stringent style of Christianity. The Puritan view of sex was complicated—they were decidedly pro-sex, so long as it happened within the confines of a marriage, but sex outside of marriage could be punished harshly. Many of the stern Puritan views of adultery, homosexuality, sodomy, and promiscuity still linger today, particularly amongst some Christian groups. Consider the Christian influence in national matters such as same-sex marriage, contraception, sexual education, and abortion. For better or worse, our Puritanical roots help shape the modern American sexual psyche, even in the 21st century. But what should be the role of religion in these national conversations? For example, should religion play a role in national debates, such as what constitutes rape and the effects of pornography? How can 2014 America reconcile its 1600s upbringing?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• "Are Sex and Religion Natural Enemies?" (Psychology Today)
• "One Preacher's Message: Have Hotter Sex" (NBC News)
• "Masturbation: Does Your Religion Give It the Thumbs Up or Down?" (Beliefnet)
• "God, Sex and Love on American Campuses" (Huffington Post)
• "Christians and Masturbation: Seven Perspectives" (Rachel Held Evans)
• "I Am Damaged Goods" (A Deeper Story)

Requirements:

• Be in MLA Style
• Be two full pages in length
• Works cited page

Due: Sec. 16—We 04.02; Sec 80—Mo 04.07

Week 09: Mo 24/WE 26

New Age Movement (orig. c. late 19th century, United States)

Sec. 16 & Sec. 80:
Spring Break—Week 09: Mo 24/WE 26
No class

Upcoming:

Sec 16:
Week 10: Mo 31
No Class—Cesar Chavez Day

Week 10: We 02
Readings: BLUE—p. 1-240
Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations, Lecture—“Constructing a Research Paper: A How-To”
Due: REFLECTION 05

Sec. 80:
Week 10: Mo 31
No Class—Cesar Chavez Day

Spiritual News 03.17.14

• Westboro Baptist Church founder Fred Phelps "on the edge of death" (NPR)
• ... Should people cheer on Phelp's death? (Huffington Post)
• How military uniform rules keep some religious Americans from enlisting (NPR)
• Woman drives her car through a church because she says God told her to do so (WCYB)
• ACLU and school district settle after student tells sixth grade Buddhist student: "You're stupid if you don't believe in God" (Politix)
• Survey: 1 in 5 Americans say religion is "not that important' to them (Huffington Post)

Week 08: Mo 17/We 19

Ancient Egyptian Mythology (orig. c. 2686 BCE, Egypt)

Sec. 16:
Week 08: Mo 17/We 19
Readings: LETTING—0:00-2:06:30; eR—“What Exactly is a Meme? (Gizmodo), “How to Do a Close Reading” (Harvard College Writing Center)
Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations
Due: PERSUASIVE; REFLECTION 04

Sec. 80:
Week 08: Mo 17
Readings: LETTING—0:00-2:06:30; eR—“What Exactly is a Meme? (Gizmodo), “How to Do a Close Reading” (Harvard College Writing Center)
Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations
Due: PERSUASIVE; REFLECTION 04

Upcoming:

Sec. 16 & Sec. 80:
Spring Break—Week 09: Mo 24/WE 26
No class

Cesar Chavez Day—
No Class

Spiritual News 03.12.14

• Satirical Book of Mormon musical to play in Salt Lake City in 2015 (Entertainment Weekly)
• Ann Osman is a pioneer Muslim female MMA fighter (FOXSports)
• New study says cohabiting before marriage doesn't lead to an increased likelihood of divorce (Christian Science Monitor)
• Pope Francis said to have ordered an investigation into the possibility of same-sex civil unions in the Catholic Church (Yahoo! News) 
• Noah facing bans in several Arab countries because "it contradicts the teachings of Islam" (Reuters)
• Meet the men of Alpha Lambda Mu, the first social Muslim fraternity in America (NPR) 

Reflection 04: Can We Talk?/Let's Change the Subject—How (and How Not) to Talk About Religion

An old adage says Americans should never talk about money, politics, and religion. In reality, all three subjects are talked about regularly today, but all three subjects come with potential pitfalls. Americans must carefully navigate social waters when it comes to religion, especially. Whether you are the one bringing up the subject of religion or you are the one hoping to escape any such conversation, American etiquette dictates at least a minimum amount of politeness and tact. Unfortunately, religious conversations—even amongst friends—often quickly become uncivil. How should we talk about religion in America? What are the right and wrong times to bring it up? If you are a person of faith, what rules guide the times you speak of your faith? If you do not believe in a religion, how would you prefer the topic is broached, if at all? Finally, where can we find common ground in a topic that divides us so?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• "How to Talk About Religion Without Starting a Fight" (Jezebel)
• "How Not to Talk About the Beliefs of Others" (Huffington Post)
• "Do You Discuss Religion with Friends?" (New York Times)
• "What Non-Christians Want Christians to Hear" (Patheos)
• "Proselytize: Three Reasons Why Christians Can't (and Shouldn't) Stop" (Christian Post)
• "Can We Talk about Religion, Please?' (New York Times)

Requirements:

• Be in MLA Style
• Be two full pages in length
• Works cited page

Due: Sec. 16—We 03.19; Sec 80—Mo 03.17

Persuasive Essay: The Creationism Question

For several decades, some segments of American Christianity have pushed for Creationism, the creation myth of the Bible, to be included in the country's public schools, either supplanting Evolution or, at least, presented with equal weight. They argue that Creationism is not only divinely-directed, but scientifically sound, and therefore, appropriate to be taught in schools. In reality, the issue is part of a larger continuing debate about the divisions between religious and secular interests in our society. What is the appropriate place, if any, for Creationism in a public school education? Does it belong in a science lab? A humanities classroom? Or not at all? What are the consequences of having Creationism in (or out) of American schools? Finally, how does Intelligent Design changes the parameters of the debate? In a clear and concise persuasive essay, argue for the most appropriate role for Creationism in an American education.

Cite from the texts below to support your thesis:

• "My Take: Jesus Would Believe in Evolution and So Should You' (CNN)
• "Evolution vs. Intelligent Design: Six Bones of Contention' (National Geographic)
• "Evolution is False: Public Schools Should Teach Intelligent Design' (PolicyMic)
• "Creationism vs. Evolution: An American Problem, an American Opportunity" (NPR)
• "Texas Public Schools are Teaching Creationism" (Slate)
• "The Growing Partisan Divide on Evolution' (Moyers & Company)
• "Creationism Versus Evolutionism: When Will this Debate Ever End?' (Huffington Post)
• "Public’s Views on Human Evolution" (Pew Research Center)
• "Creationists Cite ‘Academic Freedom’ to Teach Beliefs in Schools" (Al Jazeera America)
• "How Evolution Gets Used and Abused in the Science-Religion Debate” (Huffington Post)

All texts are located in the eR.

Requirements:

• Three pages minimum
• MLA Style
• Parenthetical citation
• Works cited page

The best papers will:

• Stay within the parameters of the prompt, focusing on the role Creationism should have in public schools
• Have a concise thesis
• Mount a convincing argument using the above texts
• Properly cite evidence using MLA's parenthetical citation method
• Conclude with a summation of your points
• Be in MLA Style

Due:
Sec 16—03.19.04
Sec 80—03.17.04

Week 07: Mo 10/We 12

Christianity (orig. c. 33 CE, Judea)

Sec. 16:
Week 07: Mo 10/We 12
Readings: eR—“My Take: Jesus Would Believe in Evolution and So Should You” (CNN), “Evolution vs. Intelligent Design: Six Bones of Contention” (National Geographic), “Evolution is False: Public Schools Should Teach Intelligent Design” (PolicyMic), “Creationism vs. Evolution: An American Problem, an American Opportunity” (NPR)
Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Guest speaker (TBA); Lecture—“Spirituality on Small Screen” Due: SYNTHESIS; REFLECTION 03

Sec. 80:
Week 07: Mo 10/We 12
Readings: eR—“My Take: Jesus Would Believe in Evolution and So Should You” (CNN), “Evolution vs. Intelligent Design: Six Bones of Contention” (National Geographic), “Evolution is False: Public Schools Should Teach Intelligent Design” (PolicyMic), “Creationism vs. Evolution: An American Problem, an American Opportunity” (NPR) Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Guest speaker (TBA); Lecture—“Spirituality on Small Screen”
Due: SYNTHESIS; REFLECTION 03

Upcoming:

Sec. 16:
Week 08: Mo 17/We 19
Readings: LETTING—0:00-2:06:30; eR—“What Exactly is a Meme? (Gizmodo), “How to Do a Close Reading” (Harvard College Writing Center)
Class: CLOSE READ; Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: PERSUASIVE; REFLECTION 04

Sec. 80:
Week 08: Mo 17
Readings: LETTING—0:00-2:06:30; eR—“What Exactly is a Meme? (Gizmodo), “How to Do a Close Reading” (Harvard College Writing Center)
Class: CLOSE READ; Writers workshop; Multimedia presentations
Due: PERSUASIVE; REFLECTION 04

Sec. 16 & Sec. 80:
Spring Break—Week 09: Mo 24/WE 26
No class

Cesar Chavez Day—
No Class

Spiritual News 03.05.14

• Darren Aronofsky's Noah to get a "disclaimer" (TheWire)
• It's Ash Wednesday, so what is Lent? (International Business Times)
• Why do we need a sexed-up Jesus? (Daily Beast)
• Mormon Church clarifies some points after Book of Mormon (ABC News)
• Accused of being a witch, woman is beaten to death (Times of India)
• Ireland's fastest growing religion: Islam (International Business Times)

Reflection 03: Picking and Choosing—Cafeteria Spiritualism

Some Mormons just can't do without caffeine, so they drink coffee. Some Catholics want control of their family planning, so they use contraceptives. Some Jews love the pageantry of Christmas, so they celebrate it every December 25th. Likewise, a person who finds comfort in Buddhist incantations, respects the environmental reverence of the Wiccans, and admires the Quaker emphasis on self-reliance might combine them into a personalized belief system. All of these are examples of the contemporary phenomenon of so-called "cafeteria spiritualism," sometimes called "salad bar" spiritualism. It is the practice of individuals customizing faiths, or parts of them, to fit their individual needs. In earlier times, followers of a devout faith generally accepted all aspects of that religion on the basis that true believers wholeheartedly embraced all related tenants. Not so today. In the 21st century, Americans routinely pick and choose the aspects of a faith, or faiths, that best fit their needs. Thus, younger generations of Americans are less likely to prescribe to a specific religion, opting instead to identify themselves as the ubiquitous "spiritual, but not religious." What do you think of cafeteria spiritualism? Does it make more sense in a pluralistic society, such as ours? Or should we return to the old days, when a Catholic was a Catholic and a Jew was a Jew, etc? Finally, have you, or anyone you know, partaken in this style of faith?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• "My Religion is a Salad Bar" (Center for Creative Ministry) 
• "Most Americans Pick and Choose Religious Beliefs" (Christian Post)
• "Cafeteria Spirituality" (Wake Up for Life!) 
• "'Cafeteria-style' Spirituality as a Danger We Can't Ignore" (Orlando Sentinel)
• "Deliver Us From Salad Bar Religion" (Reformed Theology)
• "Inside the Spiritual Jacuzzi" (Reason)

Requirements:

• Be in MLA Style
• Be two full pages in length
• Works cited page

Due: Sec. 16—We 03.12; Sec 80—Mo 03.10

Week 06: Mo 03/We 05

Buddhism (orig. c. 563-623  BCE, Nepal)

Sec. 16:
Week 06: Mo 03/We 05
Readings: eR—“Texas Public Schools are Teaching Creationism” (Slate), “The Growing Partisan Divide on Evolution” (Moyers & Company), Creationism Versus Evolutionism: When Will this Debate Ever End?” (Huffington Post), “Public’s Views on Human Evolution” (Pew Research Center), “Creationists Cite ‘Academic Freedom’ to Teach Beliefs in Schools” (Al Jazeera America), “How Evolution Gets Used and Abused in the Science-Religion Debate”
Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Lecture—“On Wordiness”
Due: SYNTHESIS ESSAY

Sec 80:
Week 06: Mo 03
Readings: eR—“Texas Public Schools are Teaching Creationism” (Slate), “The Growing Partisan Divide on Evolution” (Moyers & Company), Creationism Versus Evolutionism: When Will this Debate Ever End?” (Huffington Post), “Public’s Views on Human Evolution” (Pew Research Center), “Creationists Cite ‘Academic Freedom’ to Teach Beliefs in Schools” (Al Jazeera America), “How Evolution Gets Used and Abused in the Science-Religion Debate”
Class: Writers workshop; Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Lecture—“On Wordiness”
Due: SYNTHESIS ESSAY (DRAFT 1, BRING TWO COPIES)

Upcoming:

Sec. 16: 
Week 07: Mo 10/We 12
Readings: eR—“My Take: Jesus Would Believe in Evolution and So Should You” (CNN), “Evolution vs. Intelligent Design: Six Bones of Contention” (National Geographic), “Evolution is False: Public Schools Should Teach Intelligent Design” (PolicyMic), “Creationism vs. Evolution: An American Problem, an American Opportunity” (NPR) Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Guest speaker (TBA); Lecture—“Spirituality on Small Screen”
Due: PERSUASIVE; REFLECTION 03

Sec. 80: 
Week 07: Mo 10/We 12
Readings: eR—“My Take: Jesus Would Believe in Evolution and So Should You” (CNN), “Evolution vs. Intelligent Design: Six Bones of Contention” (National Geographic), “Evolution is False: Public Schools Should Teach Intelligent Design” (PolicyMic), “Creationism vs. Evolution: An American Problem, an American Opportunity” (NPR) Class: Reading discussion; Multimedia presentations; Guest speaker (TBA); Lecture—“Spirituality on Small Screen”
Due: PERSUASIVE; REFLECTION 03