Fall 2021 colloq 4015 syllabus 8 PDF

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Summary

This is the syllabus for the colloquium class for religion majors...

Description

Senior Colloquium for Religion Majors Fall 2021 Mondays and Wednesdays REL 4015.01 2:00-3:30 p.m.

IHSB 111 CRN 10538

https://belmontu.zoom.us/j/81721778178?pwd=TnBpdmdNTUZaKzVWUkxvZjdhQjFtUT09 Meeting ID: 817 2177 8178 Passcode: 855796 REL 4015.02 3:30-4:45 p.m. IHSB 111 CRN 10972 https://belmontu.zoom.us/j/87240418489?pwd=cmNGbUhFdytpc29CK2NaSmJ1UU5TUT09 Meeting ID: 872 4041 8489 Passcode: 392759 Dr. Judy Skeen, professor Office location: JAAC 2008 E-mail address: [email protected] Office hours posted on Zoom and by request- email Dr. Skeen and we will set up an appointment to meet

PURPOSE AND NATURE OF THE COURSE Catalogue description— To be taken in the final fall semester of the students Belmont experience. A colloquium designed as a capstone experience for religion majors and minors which integrates biblical, theological, historical, social and practical studies. The course focuses on the student as a

practicing theologian.

The purpose of this course is to provide an opportunity for you to integrate the various areas of study in your college experience. By design it builds on your previous learning experiences in the religion courses.

In general (or usually)

Mondays will be directed to content of the reading (what the author said and meant) and Wednesdays will be directed to processing what you found in the reading (what you think and feel about what you read and how it can be integrated into your life and practice). This is also about mental and verbal discipline- focusing your thoughts and comments in ways that create learning for all. And of course- it depends on everyone preparing for class. You will be asked if you have completed the reading. The course will follow a seminar format, in which students will assume much of the responsibility for discussion and leadership. I will primarily serve as a coordinator and facilitator for discussion. Textbooks: 1. Campbell, Will. Brother to a Dragonfly 2. Foster, Richard. Streams of Living Water 3. Palmer, Parker. The Active Life 4. Nouwen, Henri. Can You Drink the Cup? 5. Peerman, Gordon. Blessed Relief. 6. Palmer, Parker. Healing the Heart of Democracy Materials on Blackboard: Palmer, Parker J. “The Broken Open Heart” Gnuse, Robert. “The Inspiration of Scripture” Non Violent Communication Getting Lost essay Belmont Work Well Schedule of events for Seniors Student instructions for uploading Capstone assessment assignment Final paper instructions

Reading, Reflecting, Writing, Contributing Your grade will reflect your investment in this class, demonstrated through being prepared, being present and on time, having work completed in the assigned form and ready to turn in, participating in the class discussion and making the time to reflect on all of the above. No cell phones or other devices are allowed to be used or visible during our class time together.

GRADING A+ = 98-100 below 60 A = 94-97 A- = 90-93

B+ = 87-89 C+ = 77-79

D+ = 67-69

B = 83-86 C = 73-76 B- = 80-82 C- = 70-72

D = 64-66 D- = 60-63

F=

This class meets twice per week. You need to be present for your learning and for the learning of your classmates. Your absence or tardiness has consequences for everyone’s experience. You and I are expected to be regular and punctual in attendance. Read the current Belmont University Bulletin with reference to class attendance and engagement. Engagement in this class in the physical classroom or online requires your active presence in class: being visible, attentive and being thoughtful in your behavior toward others. Grades will be visible to you throughout the semester in the Blackboard Grade Center. Written assignments together equal 60 % of course gradeThe grading of written work is based upon what is turned in rather than amount of effort or time spent in the writing (although these two things may certainly be connected). Class participation equals 40% of course grade. Your participation is a crucial part of this course. You are responsible for the discussion, the pacing, the content and the interest to you. This doesn’t mean talking a lot, it means making comments, asking questions, paying attention and participating with your classmates each day, the whole class time. Everyone will be asked to stretch themselvesfor some that means talking less or more concisely, for others that means doing what is necessary to get in the conversation. Participation Most weeks the colloquium will be a conversation among the class members. Therefore, it is important for all of us to participate. There are three main divisions of class work for this colloquium. 1) personal reflection, primarily demonstrated through written work and class discussion;

2) apprehension of knowledge, primarily from readings and class conversation; 3), overall class participation. **** Your participation in class constitutes 40% of your semester grade. You will be evaluated with a weekly participation grade and asked to evaluate yourself midway through our semester. These grades will then be averaged together for 40% of your course grade. For the purpose of daily grading please see the following guidelines: C= being present, alert and involved B= making pertinent observations from the reading or class assignment A= participating in conversation with others while demonstrating integration of the reading, your own reflection, your life situation and the comments made by others *** This is a high standard. Being prepared for class includes: -having all assigned work completed and ready to turn in before class begins, -being punctual, respectful and ready to work when class begins -refraining from behavior which distracts yourself and others -bringing the materials needed for class (always have the book we are working with nearby) -focusing your attention on class work during class time- having your cell phone out and visible will be considered at best “split focus” and at worst fairly rude to others. Written Assignments All written assignments must be completed and ready to turn in at the due date and time. Completing your work and turning it in correctly on Blackboard is a demonstration of your professionalism- do the work, turn it in as assigned. Most every week you will have something that you are required to prepare for class. Length will be expressed in word count and students may choose double or single spaced as long as they meet the minimum word count for each document. Please noteminimum is just that- average, the least you can do, so the minimum may well garner a C as a grade. These assignments are included in the class schedule. You have the sole responsibility for knowing about and completing these assignments. When discussion questions are the assignment, you need to be prepared to type them into the chat feature or send them by email when requested in online class or turn them in on paper when in physical class. Honor Code This class is occurring in an atmosphere of trust. As Belmont faculty and students we have covenanted together to raise the standard for honesty and integrity. This class will uphold the honor code and each person will be encouraged and expected to abide by the guidelines contained there. https://www.belmont.edu/communityaccountability/bruinguide/index.html Please note: Using any materials supplied to you by another student and presenting it as your own is cheating, including relying on fraternity or sorority files.

Late assignments will only be accepted if arranged in advance, and will be penalized regardless of reason for lateness. Taking the initiative to communicate with the professor about your situation before something is due is a good way to demonstrate your seriousness about your course work. Emailing assignments to the professor without asking permission first will result in zero points. During this interesting semester I will work with you to overcome the challenges of our technologically driven experience. In order for me to do this you’ll need to communicate when you have difficulties or concerns. Without turning in all the assignments, it is unlikely you will pass the class. Accommodation of Disabilities: In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, Belmont University will provide reasonable accommodation of all medically documented disabilities. If you have a disability and would like the university to provide reasonable accommodations for the disability during this course, please notify the Director of Counseling & Development Support in the Office of Student Affairs (460-6407) as soon as possible.

Calendar and Schedule of Assignments Wed. Aug. 25 Mon. Aug. 30

. Weds. Sept. 1

Getting acquainted with each other and our task Giving voice to where we are – pandemic, graduation, calling, living each day where our feet are – Dr. Skeen will interview you (meanwhile be reading Brother to a Dragonfly) Working on our system for discussion, safe space and brave space Diversity and Inclusion, the Belmont Experience (keep reading

Campbell) Mon. Sept. 6

Labor Day- no class Complete reading Brother to a Dragonfly by Will Campbell and be

ready to discuss – What we can learn from the living of Will Campbell’s life and how he told his story? Come Wednesday with at least three quotes/events from the book you want to discuss. (You will turn in a copy of this before class begins, uploaded to Blackboard). Weds. Sept. 8 we

See above for what is due today before class begins. Discussing how learn from the lives of others and our own. You might do some

pondering about people whose lives have shown you something you aspire to. Mon. Sept. 13 paper

Read “Getting Lost” by Peter Ward (posted on Blackboard) and your

from Vocation and Christian Life. (which Dr. Skeen will provide to you by email if it is on file). Using your reflection on your own writing from previous classes and the themes of Getting Lost, write a 1200 word response paper. Your written essay should have an introduction and conclusion. Between those it should have organization of thought and progression. This paper is due at noon on Mon. Sept. 13. Weds. Sept. 15 Read the essay on Blackboard entitled Broken Open Heart by Parker J. Palmer. Come prepared to discuss the Tragic Gap as you understand itperhaps connected to Will Campbell’s story and your own story. Before class download and print the Tragic Gap drawing from Blackboard. Mon. Sept. 20

Read Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit by Parker Palmer, table of contents – 117. Come to class with 2 good discussion

questions about the content you’ve read so far. You will upload these questions into the chat feature when asked during class or just after class if we are in person. Please note a discussion question offers more than “what do you think” and less than a speech about what you the questioner thinks? What kinds of questions cause you to ponder? Ask one of those. Weds. Sept. 22

Mon. Sept. 27 class

Discussion of Democracy, where we are, citizenship and faith. By noon on class day- turn in a 1000 word essay on the Five Habits of the Heart. Finish reading Healing the Heart of Democracy, pg. 119-193. Come to with two good discussion questions about the content you’ve read so

far. Remember, Mondays are content days from the reading- not your response or feelings about what you read. Weds. Sept. 29 between

Continue our discussion of our democracy and the relationship democracy and capitalism, religious intuitions, faith, citizenship. Due by Noon on class day- turn in 400 words- either 1) what you would

say to the senate/house of representatives, given 10 minutes to make an appeal/speech to them OR 2) what you would develop as a platform for your own political campaign (list the office and the points of priority)

Mon. Oct. 4

Weds. Oct. 6

Read Foster’s Streams of Living Water Introduction through Chapter 4. Come to class with one good discussion question for each chapter. Discuss personal traditions and religion patterns.

Mon. Oct. 11 900-word

Read Foster Chapters 5-7. For Wednesday you will compose a essay using Foster’s nomenclature and concepts about the

traditions which have shaped you. Include some reflection on the traditions with which you have the most discomfort, questions which arose as you read, how your experience of traditions may have changed in the past few years, etc. Due on Wednesday by 5 p.m. By Tues. Oct. 12 assigned place

By midnight all students should submit on Blackboard in the a midterm evaluation of their participation in class so far. This

evaluation should include the four kinds of behavior listed in the syllabus (#1-4 under participation****) as needed for participation. And you should give yourself a letter grade based on the A,B,C remarks in the syllabus.*** Weds. Oct. 13 5 p.m. and

Midterm- class will not meet- you have an assignment due by a second one due by midnight.

Write and turn in Senior capstone paper Please note this must be turned in twice- to Dr. Skeen on Blackboard and to your portfolio (without your name, with your BUID) Senior Capstone Common Assignment (You must submit it in two ways). According to our mission statement, Belmont University strives to empower students “of diverse backgrounds to engage and transform the world with disciplined intelligence, compassion, courage, and faith.” Now that your Belmont career is coming to a close, think about the ways your education has encouraged you to engage with the world and how it has equipped you to transform it. Pinpoint a specific experience, encounter, or learning moment—whether in your discipline, in a general education course, or elsewhere—that introduced you to the complex nature of the world and to other people, cultures, ideas, and histories. Consider these questions as you reflect in 500-1000 words:

1) How did this experience influence your understanding of the complex nature of the world? 2) What did you learn about other cultures and worldviews through this experience? 3) How did you move this newfound cultural knowledge into action? *Please think carefully about your response and edit carefully. This assignment counts both as a graded assignment for this class and for the university assessment program. It must be completed to pass Senior Capstone. Please submit the assignment twice 1.) on TK20 (instructions on class Blackboard) with your BUID in place of your name* and 2) on Blackboard on your class page with your name attached.

Mon. Oct. 18

Weds. Oct. 20 book,

No class, fall break

Read Blessed Relief p. 1-99. Choose one practice in this portion of the complete the practice and write a 750 word reflective response to your experience. Upload response to Blackboard by noon on Wednesday, Oct. 20.

Mon. Oct. 25 good

Read Peerman Blessed Relief, p. 101-171, Come to class with two discussion questions for use during our class discussion. What do

you want to talk about? How will you shape the discussion to your interests and to give your classmates the chance to process the content of the book. Weds. Oct. 27 class.

The author will be our guest. Dr. Gordon Peerman will be in Come with 3 questions (prepared to turn in) which you would like to

ask the author from your reading and your life. Mon. Nov. 1

Denominations, organizations, affiliations, community, fellowship. We have a guest with us in class to discuss. Note- this week there is no assigned reading- next week we are reading a book in a week so you may want to get started on it now.

Weds. Nov. 3

Discussing living in a pluralistic world: prayer, meditation, mindfulness, wholeness.

Mon. Nov. 8 on

This week breaks from the pattern of Content on Monday and process Wednesday. We’ll discuss this whole book in two parts- one on Monday and one on Wednesday. For Wednesday there is a “show and tell”

assignment arising from your understanding of the ideas in the book and your own life experience. Read from the Preface through Chapter 4 of Palmer’s The Active Life. Come to class prepared to discuss the paradox of contemplation and action as presented by Palmer so far in the book. Weds. Nov. 10

Complete reading The Active Life, chapters 5-8. Using Palmer’s discussion of daily tensions create and bring to class an image of the parts of your life which depicts the tensions which exist

as you navigate through “regular” days. An image is something visual that can be shown to the class. This visual can be an object or a visual representation you created. Words can be included in the image but words alone are not sufficient to fulfill the assignment. Mon. Nov. 15

Weds. Nov. 17

We are diverging again from the Monday/Wednesday pattern. Read the Gnuse essay about Scripture. Create a visual framework for your understanding of your view of inspiration and come to class prepared to share your visual and discuss the essay. Read the item on Blackboard entitled Non-Violent Communication (Marshall). If you want to know more check out the NVC website. Create a visual framework for your understanding of conflict,

resolution

Mon. Nov. 22 Weds. Nov. 24 Mon. Nov. 29 tensions

or how systems function/break down. Come to class prepared to share your visual and discuss the NVC concepts. no classno class- Thanksgiving break Finding rhythms for work and sabbath, self and community, holding Creatively – sharing from lives we view with appreciation- ponder

whose life you have learned from and whose life you would like to know more about. Weds. Dec. 1

As possible and as an investment in your own learning and future give yourself some time for this next and final week’s assignment. Read all

of Nouwen, Can You Drink the Cup? and complete the guided journaling exercise found on Blackboard. The guided journal is intended to be worked through as you read- allowing you to slow down the reading and take the gifts from this book into your mind heart and soul. You will not be

required to turn in the journal but will need to demonstrate having done it while we are in class. Mon. Dec. 6

Our final class- pulling it all together. To prepare you might look through this semester’s readings and assignments. This will also be good preparation for writing the final paper.

Weds. Dec. 8

Your final paper is due at noon. (see full page instructions for final paper on Blackboard)

Final Exams 2 p.m. class- your final is Monday, December 13, 2-4 p.m. 3:30 p.m. class – your final is Wednesday Dec. 8, 2-4 p.m. ....