Winter 2014/Fuller Online
MR547
Reisacher
MR547: WORLD RELIGIONS, ART, AND SYMBOL. Evelyne A. Reisacher
DESCRIPTION: This course explores the world’s major religions by looking at art and symbols and other nonverbal means of expression. It provides an introduction to Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. It also briefly discusses Confucianism, Sikhism, Taoism, and Shinto. Instead of focusing on the study of the written texts of these religions, the course investigates them through the study of their art, symbolism, and rituals. We will explore the nonverbal and sensory elements of these religions and discuss their meaning and role. For example, we will look at the importance and the role of architecture, color, sound, rhythm, images and how they impact believers consciously and nonconsciously and are essential elements of beliefs and practices. Students who take this class will enhance both their understanding of people from other faiths and their ability to communicate and relate with them.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: By the end of the course, students will be able to (1) describe the art, rituals, sounds, architecture, and other nonverbal elements of expression associated with the world’s religions; (2) understand the role and meaning of these elements and define how they affect communication within or with specific religions; (3) develop new ways to reach out to people from other religions by understanding the role of arts and symbols; and (4) define how arts and symbols impact the communication of the Gospel.
COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.
REQUIRED READING AND VIEWING: If you have previously read any of the required texts, please select an alternative text from the recommended reading list in the syllabus or a book approved by the professor.
Bowker, John. The Great Faiths Explored and Explained. DK Adult, 2006. ISBN: 978-0756617721, Pub. Price $16.95 [216 pp.].
Dyrness, William A. Senses of Devotion: Interfaith Aesthetics in Buddhist and Muslim Communities. Wipf & Stock Pub., 2013. ISBN: 978-1620321362, Pub. Price $18.00 [160 pp.].
Grubin, David. The Buddha [Film]. PBS, 2010. 120 minutes.
Hartley, Elda. Hinduism and the Song of God [Film]. Hartley Film Foundation, 1978. 28 minutes.
Plate, S. Brent. Religion, Art, and Visual Culture: A Cross-Cultural Reader. Palgrave Macmillan, 2002. ISBN: 978-0312240295, Pub. Price $41.00 [256 pp.].
Sharma, Arvind, ed. Our Religions: The Seven World Religions Introduced by Preeminent Scholars from Each Tradition. HarperSanFrancisco, 1993. ISBN: 978-0060677008, Pub. Price $22.99 [560 pp.].
Articles on World Religions, Art and Symbols, accessible on the Moodle website during the entire quarter the class is taught (1000 pages).
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
A 4- to 5-page (1,000–1,250 word) reflective essay based on the required reading and film watching (30% of grade).
Visit a religious site or a museum with sacred art or attend a religious festival and journal your experience and impressions in 1000 words (20% of grade).
A 10-page paper, double-spaced, in which the student will reflect on one of the issues addressed in class (30% of grade).
Participation in class activities (20% of grade).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: SIS Elective. Meets World Religions (WREL) requirement for SOT MAT program. An option to meet Specialized Requirements in the Master of Arts in Worship, Theology, and the Arts. An option to meet WTA Concentration units in the Master of Divinity Worship, Theology, and the Arts.Serves as a course substitute for MB501.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.