Philosophy of Religions
PHILOS/REL ST 21
Spring 2020

 ZOOM CLASS TIME: Mon/Wed 4:00-5:20pm LINK: https://uci.zoom.us/j/413794344

​ZOOM DISCUSSION SECTIONS
Section 1: 1-1:50pm: https://uci.zoom.us/j/364988789
Section 2: 2-2:50pm: https://uci.zoom.us/j/421681287
 
 

  Professor: Brianne Donaldson — b.donaldson@UCI.edu
Graduate Teaching Assistant: Joost Ziff — ziffj@UCI.edu

DESCRIPTION

​​Religious claims are of particular interest to philosophers because they raise important metaphysical issues. These issues include the ultimate nature of reality, the presence of or distinction between mind, body, and soul, the existence and/or character of God/gods, the problem of evil and suffering, afterlife, the relationship between humans, animals, and plants, as well as the link between rationality and belief, among others. Utilizing methods and concepts in the field, we will look at several of these issues, with additional reference to related themes such as religion and science, the role of morality, and religious pluralism. Our sources will include classic western philosophical debates, as well as views from the Indian traditions—especially Jainism, with reference to Buddhism and Hinduism—as well as perspectives through the lens of race, gender, and species. 

STUDENT LEARNING GOALS

  1. Distinguish key concepts within philosophy of religions (such as ontology, epistemology, ethics, etc.)
  2. Describe 2-3 methodological approaches within philosophy of religions (such as naturalism, analytic, phenomenological, pragmatic, critical race, feminist, ecological, etc.)
  3. Articulate at least four central issues addressed by the philosophy of religions
  4. Analyze contemporary cultural and ethical issues through insights developed in #1 and #2 above​
  5. Reflect on their own inherited beliefs through evolving inqu​​iries

OPENING RECITATION

परस्परोपग्रहो जीवानाम् 
Parasparopagraho Jīvānām​
"Living beings render service to one another."

--Tattvārtha-sūtra 5.21, written by Jain monk Umāsvāti (2nd-3rd c. CE)

STUDENT VISITING HOURS: COME SEE ME ONLINE! (Spring 2020)

I'll be hosting virtual visiting hours every week and I'd love to have you visit! 
  • Tuesday noon-1pm; Zoom link: https://uci.zoom.us/j/686242624
  • Wednesday 2:45–3:45pm; Zoom link: https://uci.zoom.us/j/647620106
  • Many other times by request for in-person appointment/video/phone visits: just contact me (note that I often don't check email after 6pm)
  • When writing me, please include a greeting such as "Hi _____" or "Dear _____" so I feel like a means to your success as well as my own end; I will endeavor to do the same for you.

REQUIRED TEXTS 

Picture
Tex, a cat who lets me live with her, keeping the readings organized.
Due to the sudden changes to remote learning, I will not be using one common text, but rather diverse readings, which will be linked in the below schedule. Having multiple readings can be challenging to organize, so please try to come up with your own system of doing so, such as a digital folder on your laptop, using Canvas, etc. 

POLICIES

ZOOM PRIVACY
I will be recording the lecture sessions of Monday each week for those students who cannot attend. If you do not want to be recorded, you have the option to turn off your camera and submit questions or comments through the Chat function of Zoom (privately to me or TA) or by email. Breakout groups on Zoom will not be recorded, so all students can use your camera during that time. 

​ATTENDANCE POLICY
Given the sudden shift to remote classes, I will not have an attendance policy this quarter. However, if you know that you will not be able to attend on a regular basis for any reason, including technology access, extended illness, extended family emergency, or extended immigration-related issue, please contact me as soon as you are able to and we will discuss a plan forward.
  • Much of our collective work will happen during class sessions. I will endeavor to record the online classes so you can catch up/follow along if you are absent.
  • Also, if something has kept you from reading or feeling prepared for class, please still come. You can always "pass" in discussion. So long as this is not a regular occurrence, your engaged presence will still benefit you, your peers, and our collective work.  

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY AND PLAGIARISM
We are here to do the hard work of learning together. Academic dishonesty erodes this goal and your own self confidence, and is a serious academic offense that can result in failing a paper, failing the class, and academic dismissal from the university. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism (copying words, phrases, or ideas from other authors/sources without giving citation credit), copying answers from another student, allowing another student to copy your answers, communicating exam answers to other students during an exam, attempting to use notes or other aids during an exam, or tampering with an exam after it has been corrected and then returning it for more credit. These actions are a violation of the UCI Policies on Academic Honesty <see https://aisc.uci.edu/>. It is your responsibility to read and understand these policies. Note that any instance of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Academic Integrity Administrative Office for disciplinary action and is cause for a failing grade in the course.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS
All of us have different abilities, strengths, and challenges with learning. Students who believe they may need accommodations to succeed in this class are encouraged to register online with the Disability Services Center (or call 949-824-7494) as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. This can include priority test-taking, seating preference, transportation, document conversion, among many other possible accommodations. Also, please feel free to meet with me to discuss any ways I can make any aspect of the classroom, materials, or assignments more accessible. 

UCI COUNSELING AND RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE PHONE LINES (24-HRS/DAY)
At-home learning can exacerbate personal, family, and relationship strains. UCI has several resources and services to support well-being and safety. Click here. ​
FOOD AND HOUSING INSECURITY
​Any student who has difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live, and believes this may affect their performance in the course, is urged to contact the FRESH Basic Needs Hub and the Basic Needs Coordinator, Andrea Gutierrez, at agordill@exchange.uci.edu. Also, please notify me if you are comfortable doing so. This will enable me to inform you of resources that might be of help.
 
ADD/DROP DEADLINES
Students may DROP or ADD a course through 5:00 p.m. on Friday of the second week of classes. https://www.reg.uci.edu/enrollment/adc/adcpolicy.html
  
TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM
Not applicable 

LATE WORK POLICY 
The late policy will begin after the drop/add period. Monday and Wednesday worksheets, must be uploaded by the time required for full credit (or they receive a -1 deduction). Exam must be completed within the provided window. 

ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING

1. Monday Quizzes (Best 6 of 8; 36 possible points) [23%]
2. Monday Summary Worksheets (Best 6 of 8; 36 possible points) [23%]
3. Wednesday Religious Experience & Topic Reflections (Best 6 of 8; 36 possible points) [23%]
4. Final Exam (50pts) [31%]
5. Extra Credit for Discussion Section (9pts possible)
Total Points 158

1. MONDAY CANVAS QUIZZES (Best 6 of 8 will count)
Due by your Monday Discussion Section Time at 1pm or 2pm
Starting the Monday of Week 2, and seven Mondays after, student will complete a short, open-book 6-point quiz of terms and ideas for that day's readings. Student can do all 8 quizzes or skip 2, for a total of 6. These quizzes will build our vocabulary for class discussions and understanding. The quizzes will also provide content and questions for a portion of the final exam. *I will endeavor to have these quizzes posted each Friday at noon so you can complete by your discussion time Monday. 

2. MONDAY SUMMARY WORKSHEETS (Best 6 of 8 will count; all 8 can be done or 2 are optional) 
Due by your Monday Discussion Section Time at 1pm or 2pm
  • The Monday Summary Worksheet outline can be found/downloaded in "Resources" section on syllabus and under "Files" on Canvas.
  • Your completed Summary Worksheets will also be used to complete a task worth approx. 50% of the final exam
  • When videos are assigned to watch, do NOT include these in summary worksheets
Description: Starting Week 2 and seven Mondays after, students will have an opportunity to complete a Summary Worksheet. Of these 8 Mondays, students must complete 6 such worksheets. 

Turning in: Prior to your Discussion section on Monday (either 1-1:50 or 2-2:50), upload your Summary Worksheet on Canvas. You will be uploading one document containing a summary worksheet  for each of the class readings due for Monday, never exceeding 3 on a given day. This means that if 4 readings are assigned for a particular Monday, students should do all those readings, but only need to complete summary worksheets for 3.  

Summary Worksheets provide the backbone of your discussion sections and serve 3 main functions:
  1. they provide a regular way to build confidence in understanding the main point/perspective, an author's deep motivating concern, interpretation, and citation skills;
  2. ​they offer an occasion to get you thinking in advance about the ideas that come up in lectures and discussions;
  3. they enable me and your Graduate Teaching Assistant (Joost Ziff) to stay abreast of what you are interested in or puzzled about as the course proceeds
  4. they build confidence in basic research skills such as in-text citations and Works Cited entries (using The Bedford Handbook pdf in "Resources")

Grading: These will be graded 1-6; (1) (low effort), 2 (needs improvement), 3 (adequate effort), 4 (good effort), 5 (strong effort), 6 (exceptional effort). As these are primarily for your own skill-building and class participation, they will receive no (or few) comments.  

3. MONDAY DISCUSSION SECTION (Extra credit)
Description: Starting Week 2, students will attend their weekly Discussion Section with your Graduate Teaching Assistant (Joost Ziff) through Zoom (Session 1, 1:00-1:50; Session 2, 2:00-2:50; see Zoom links in Course Details above). This is a mandatory component of the class. However, in keeping with the overall attendance policy, no penalties will be will be assessed for attendance. Discussion sessions serve three main purposes:
  1. To build your knowledge through short writing prompts, peer-to-peer conversation, and research/citation practice, improving your summaries and preparing you for weekly class and final exam.
  2. To more personally discuss your Monday Summary Worksheets and the questions you generated therein;
  3. To ask about the previous week's lectures, key terms and ideas, and discussions.

Joost will be assigning students extra credit for each Monday Discussion section they are present (+0.5pt) and engaged (+0.5pt) for a total of 9 possible extra credit points.  

4. WEDNESDAY RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE & TOPIC REFLECTIONS (Best 6 of 8 will count; all 8 can be done or 2 are optional) 
Due by Wednesday Class time (upload to Canvas) 
Description: Starting Week 2 and seven Wednesday after, students will have an opportunity to complete a Religious Experience and Topic Reflection. Of these 8 Wednesday, students will be graded on the best 6 of 8 (all 8 can be done or 2 are optional). Topic Reflections will provide the backbone for Wednesday Group Discussions where we engage contemporary events utilizing our topic for that week.

Each Religious Experience and Topic Reflection should requires 4 elements: 
  1. Read a short reading on religious experience (in weekly schedule below)
  2. Go outside on your own for at least 10 quiet minutes during the week without a motorized vehicle, and preferably alone. Sit, walk, run, climb a tree, watch, dig, hike, etc., and think about that week's topic and readings (such as What Exists?, Causation/God, suffering/evil, or relations between humans/animals/plants, etc.)
  3. After you've gone outside (right after, a few hours later, next day, whatever, just after . . .), write a 1/2-page single-spaced (or full page double-spaced) reflection in response to the reading and lectures of the week. This is your chance to experientially and intellectually grapple with the various views we are looking at on a given topic (reference to previous weeks is perfectly fine though these should not replace you demonstrating your engagement of the current week's assignments);
  4. Construct 1 emerging question on the topic at hand or its relation to the wider course. This question could be a reworking of one of your Monday questions that is evolving in your mind, or a new question altogether that reflects an engagements with ongoing readings and lectures. The question need not be especially complex (though it can be), but it should emerge from your experiential and intellectual reflection. 

Turning in: Prior to coming to class, please upload your Topic Reflection on Canvas. Of the 8 Wednesdays in question, students will need to turn at least 6 Topic Reflections. The best 6 of 8 will count. 

Grading: These will be graded 1-6; (1) (low effort), 2 (needs improvement), 3 (adequate effort), 4 (good effort), 5 (strong effort), 6 (exceptional effort). As these are primarily for your own skill-building and class participation, they will receive no (or few) comments.  

5. FINAL EXAM: 2 PARTS
Description: Students will complete a final Canvas exam (open book).
Part 1: Create an outline of a response to a question (choose 1 among 3) using your Monday Summary sheets. Details to come.
Part 2: Complete a Canvas exam consisting of  previous Quiz questions as well as terms from lectures related to the syllabus Student Learning Goals: 
  1. Key concepts (ontology, epistemology, etc.)
  2. Key terms from class lecture slides related to methods in the study of philosophy of religion
  3. Key terms from class lecture slides related to topics in philosophy of religions
  4. Diverse perspectives within at least 3 of the topics we examined during the class (in readings, lectures, group work)
  5. Reflection on Religious Experience (related to your Wednesday assignments)

This is a basic grading guide
GRADE                            
A           94-100%           
A-          90-94%           
B+         87-90%             
B           83-87%          
B-          80-83%             
C+         77-80%            
C           73-77%            
C-          70-73%             
D+         67-70%          
D           63-67%             
D-          60-63%            

RESOURCES: 5 WAYS TO TAKE NOTES AND BEDFORD CITATION GUIDE 

​Rubrics and Worksheets

monday_summary_worksheet__phil_of_relig_.docx
File Size: 16 kb
File Type: docx
Download File
in-class_wednesday_reflection_2b-origins.docx
File Size: 16 kb
File Type: docx
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 WEEKLY SCHEDULE ​(and tips for class preparation)

Dear Students,

Your presence, participation, and growing confidence and skills are important to me this quarter. Here are some thoughts:
  • Readings and videos listed in the below schedule should be completed BEFORE coming to class (unless noted by "in-class"). 
  • Remember that many new ideas come cumulatively over time. Be patient with yourself and know that feeling a little lost or unclear is part of the process of learning something new. Feel free to raise questions in class, send me a message, or let's meet if you want to gain clarity. Please consider the following tips as you prepare for class:

TIPS FOR CLASS PREPARATION:
  • Take reading notes. In this class, we'll be doing Monday Summary Charts for all Monday readings, so notes are built in! You can also see "Resources" section above for a quick overview of 5 different approaches to note taking; or ask your friends how they do it
  • Trouble following a reading? That's okay. Here are some alternatives to walking away exasperated:
    • Pick one or two terms in the reading and look them up independently using online sources and just try to understand that term in its context; sharing this info in class will be edifying for us all
    • Pick one figure named in the reading and look them up independently as in previous point . . . sharing this info in class will be edifying for us all
    • Read the opening paragraph and see if you can identify the main point/s that will be covered
  • Short on time? Here are some alternatives to skipping class for not doing readings: 
    • Read the opening paragraph and see if you can identify the main point/s that will be covered
    • Read the section heading and the closing paragraph
    • "Pass" in class discussion; a rare "pass" is perfectly acceptable so long as it does not happen regularly​
I'm looking forward to our time. ​

Week 1​

1a Monday, March 30 
First Session
  1. Learning Zoom Technology
  2. Reviewing parts of syllabus
  3. Activity: Categories of Philosophy of Religions through an analysis of Covid-19 (ontology, epistemology, causation, reason/belief, ethics)
Assignments
Class discussion; no reading required​
1b Wednesday, April 1
Ancient Accounts of What Exists
  • Wendy Doniger (ed.), ​Ṛg Veda (3 stories of Creation in Vedic Hinduism); pdf below 
  • ​Joshua J. Mark, "The Enuma Elish: The Babylonian Epic of Creation" (read the entire web page; scroll through the translation tablets at the end to see the story in its original form)
Assignments
  • Practice a Monday Summary Worksheets for at least one of these three readings (this will not count but will give us a chance to ask questions about this weekly task) ​
rig_veda_excerpts__vedic-hindu_.pdf
File Size: 1357 kb
File Type: pdf
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Week 2

2a Monday, April 6 
Ancient Accounts of What Exists Assignments
  • Upload to Canvas Monday Summary Worksheet by Discussion Section Time (Opportunity 1 of 8; 6 required); Remember to summarize each reading in the same document, up to three.

2b Wednesday, April 8
What Exists?: Wednesday Experiential and Reading Reflections
  • Read: Rabindranath Tagore, "My School," p. 135–145 (to the bottom of page).
  • Introduce yourself to Tagore through any online source you like.
Assignments
  • Upload to Canvas by class time Wednesday Religious Experience & Topic Reflection (Opportunity 1 of 8; 6 required)​

Week 3

3a Monday, April  13 
Three Medieval Accounts of God (First Cause, Ontological Argument, Cosmological Argument) Assignments:
  • Upload to Canvas Monday Summary Worksheet by Discussion Section Time (Opportunity 2 of 8; 6 required); Remember to summarize each reading in the same document, up to three. *DO NOT INCLUDE VIDEOS
anselm_-_mar_25_2020_-_1-30_pm.pdf
File Size: 1182 kb
File Type: pdf
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aquinas_-_mar_25_2020_-_1-32_pm.pdf
File Size: 1655 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
3a Wednesday, April  15
​Three Medieval Accounts of God: Wednesday Experiential and Reading Reflections
  • Read: Rabindranath Tagore,  "My School,"  p. 146–165 (stop at paragraph starting "But the question will be asked")
Assignments
  • Upload to Canvas by class time Wednesday Religious Experience & Topic Reflection (Opportunity 2 of 8; 6 required)​

Week 4

4a Monday, April 20 
One Medieval Account of God and Two Alternate Views (Argument from Design, Jainism/Atheism, Feminist views of God)  ​​Assignments:
  • Upload to Canvas Monday Summary Worksheet by Discussion Section Time (Opportunity 3 of 8; 6 required); Remember to summarize each reading in the same document, up to three. *DO NOT INCLUDE VIDEOS
paley_-_mar_25_2020_-_1-38_pm.pdf
File Size: 2820 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
marjorie_hewitt_suchocki__1994_._the_idea_of_god_in_feminist_philosophy.pdf
File Size: 735 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
4b Wednesday, April 22  
One Medieval Account of God and Two Alternate Views: Wednesday Experiential and Reading Reflections
  • Read: Rabindranath Tagore, "My School,"  p. 165–180 (from 165-180; start at "But the question will be asked")
Assignments
  • Upload to Canvas by class time Wednesday Religious Experience & Topic Reflection (Opportunity 3 of 8; 6 required)​

Week 5

5a Monday, April 27
Accounts of Evil
  • Video (watch before doing the below reading): The Problem of Evil (Crash Course Philosophy; 10min)
  • Read: Gottfried Leibniz, "God, Evil and the Best of All Possible Worlds" (pdf below; 2 pages)
  • Read: excerpt from Anthony B. Pinn, Why, Lord?: Suffering and Evil in Black Theology (pdf below; 9 pages)
  • Read: Wikipedia, "Karma in Jainism" (stop at section titled "Lesya: Coloring of the Soul")
Assignments
  • Upload to Canvas Monday Summary Worksheet by Discussion Section Time (Opportunity 4 of 8; 6 required); Remember to summarize each reading in the same document, up to three. *DO NOT INCLUDE VIDEOS
5b Wednesday, April 29 
​Accounts of Evil (Buddhism): Wednesday Experiential and Reading Reflections
  • Read: "Evil and Suffering" BBC Bitesize (there are 4 pages in this web source: the first deals with evil/suffering generally, and the next 3 deal with a Buddhist understanding of evil and suffering; please read all 4 pages)
Assignments
  • Upload to Canvas by class time Wednesday Religious Experience & Topic Reflection (Opportunity 4 of 8; 6 required)​

Week 6

6a Monday, May 4  
Does Freewill Exist? Assignments
  • Upload to Canvas Monday Summary Worksheet by Discussion Section Time (Opportunity 5 of 8; 6 required); Remember to summarize each reading in the same document, up to three. *DO NOT INCLUDE VIDEOS

​6b Wednesday, May 6
Does Freewill Exist?: Wednesday Experiential and Reading Reflections Assignments
  • Upload to Canvas by class time Wednesday Religious Experience & Topic Reflection (Opportunity 5 of 8; 6 required)​

Week 7

7a Monday, May 11
Relations to Plants and Animals Assignments
  • Upload to Canvas Monday Summary Worksheet by Discussion Section Time (Opportunity 6 of 8; 6 required); Remember to summarize each reading in the same document, up to three. *DO NOT INCLUDE VIDEOS

7b Wednesday, May 13 
​Topic Assignments
  • Upload to Canvas by class time Wednesday Religious Experience & Topic Reflection (Opportunity 6 of 8; 6 required)​

Week 8

8a Monday, May 18
What is Death? 
​Assignments

8b Wednesday, May 20 
Topic
Assignments

Week 9

9a Monday, May 25 
NO CLASS: MEMORIAL DAY

9b Wednesday, May 27
​Topic
Assignments

Week 10

10a Monday, June 1 
What is Ethics?
Assignments

10b Wednesday, June 3
Topic
Assignments

Week 11

FINAL EXAM (online; open book)
Details To Be Determined

www.briannedonaldson.com