Department of Religious Studies

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REL 100.001
Introduction to the Study of Religion

Professor
Dr. Steven Jacobs
Aaron Aronov Endowed Chair of Judaic Studies
sjacobs@bama.ua.edu

Student Assistant
Karissa Rinas
reldesk2@bama.ua.edu

Office: 202 Manly Hall
Office Phone: 348-4218
Office Hours: TBA
Course Number: 30456
Course: TR 12:30-1:45
Location: 30 ten Hoor

About Online Readings

Some course readings are placed in a "secure" folder; you can only access these PDF files (Portable Document Format, that can be opened with the free Adobe Reader) by clicking each link and then entering your Bama User Name and Password. If you have difficulty accessing these readings, contact the instructor by email.

If you have forgotten your Bama ID, but know your Campus Wide ID (CWID), then go here.

Description

As a general introduction to the academic study of religion, REL 100 examines the function of religion in relation to human beliefs, social practices, and culture in general. The course surveys a broad number of important debates in the history of religious studies, such as the definition of religion, the insider/outsider problem, theories on the origins of religion, the comparison of religions, religion's psychological, sociological, and political functions, and the manner in which human communities authorize systems of behavior. As a Core Humanities course, REL 100's goal is for all students to learn to define, accurately describe, and compare in a non-evaluative manner so as to discover significant similarities and differences in various forms of human behavior.

Note: Although we will examine some of the world's religious traditions, this course is not simply an introduction to world religions; rather, it is an introduction to the study of religion and its tools, in which religion is conceived as an observable aspect of human culture and history.

Syllabus

Spring 2007 Syllabus (PDF)

Designing Your Own Religion Group Assignments (PDF)

Group Projects Order (PDF)

Final Exam Study Slides (PDF)

Final Exam Study Guide (PDF)

Tests

Tests in this course are multiple choice, using "bubble" scoring sheets. To fill in the answer sheet during the test you will need to use a pencil and you will need to know your new Campus-Wide ID (CWID) number.

Once the tests are graded, you will be able to obtain your test results over the web by visiting www.ssc.ua.edu/query and selecting "Student Grades," and then entering your CWID number and password. Note: If you incorrectly entered your CWID on the scoring sheet you will not be able to access your test grade online, since your test score will not be matched correctly to your login.