Course code:
What is “faith ?” What assumptions do “faithful” people make about themselves, others, the world, and the sacred ? How do people interpret sacred texts ? How might faith help people find identity and belonging, and (conversely), how might faith lead to exclusion ? How does faith guide life decisions, and how do such decisions – particularly ones that involve alleviating suffering, pursuing justice, or promoting sustainability – reflect faith ? How does faith engage the inevitability of death ? Faith shapes many aspects of human life. While critiques of faith often focus on its potential for harm (particularly violence and oppression), this course aims to swim in the opposite direction, seeking to understand the dynamics of faith that can lead to lives of meaning, purpose, belonging, or advocacy. We’ll explore philosophical, psychological, ecological, communal, and even some political dimensions of faith. And we’ll engage a variety of real-life people for whom faith is a meaningful and relevant – and central – aspect of their lives. Students of all faith traditions and perspectives are welcome – including students who do not identify with any particular tradition. Field trips to various faith-based institutions will be offered to allow for immersion experiences. Course texts may include works such as Alastair McIntosh’s Soil and Soul, Jim Wallis’ The False White Gospel, Karen Armstrong’s The Case for God, Zora Neal Hurston’s Moses, Man of the Mountain, or Kathy Baldock’s Forging a Sacred Weapon / Walking the Bridgeless Canyon, along with shorter articles relevant to the course. Sacred texts will be primarily Hebrew and Christian scriptures, with texts from other traditions according to student interest.
In addition to robust class discussions marked by curiosity and respect, and regularly-assigned readings of both primary and secondary sources, students can anticipate short / reflective writing assignments along with a final paper.
Assessment will be based on evidence that the student has completed assignments and readings, and active and meaningful participation in seminar discussions.
Prerequisites:
None.
Always visit the Registrar's Office for the official course catalog and schedules.