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Descriptors:
College Faculty; Student Attitudes; Colleges; Religion Studies; Institutional Mission; Surveys; Departments; Curriculum; Teacher Attitudes; Guidelines; Educational Change

Abstract:
The purpose of this essay is to offer a survey of religious studies capstones from twenty-nine U.S. colleges and universities, to identify the most common frustrations about the capstone, and to observe how departments resolve such frustrations. I conclude that the most successful capstones--in terms of students' performance and faculty satisfaction--are those that are carefully linked to their department's major curriculum, pedagogies, and staffing, that set out to achieve a reasonable set of objectives, and that are aligned with their institutional mission, culture, and expectations for assessment. Yet, I argue that it is becoming increasingly difficult to design our capstone experiences according to the above principles because of the proliferation of departmental and institutional pressures we presently face. Finally, I offer some guidelines by which we might devise or revise our capstones to alleviate some of the most common pressures. (Contains 3 figures and 16 footnotes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Individual Development; Communication Skills; Religion; Comparative Analysis; Religion Studies; Criticism; Cultural Pluralism; Peace; Undergraduate Study; Graduate Study; Role; Dialogs (Language); History; Intercultural Communication; Departments; Curriculum

Abstract:
Comparative Religion is seen as an important curricula because it could serve as a mechanism for enhancing cross-cultural religious communication. The authors seek to examine the role of Comparative Religion as an important science for enhancing dialogue skills. Such a communication skill, however, must be developed from both intra- and inter-civilizational levels. The authors have employed an historical and textual analysis to re-examine Comparative Religion and its methodology. The authors proposed new curricula in Comparative Religion studies including criticism of the methodologies used in Comparative Religion. This includes a new methodology that considers the existing multicultural religious phenomenon as well as post-September 11, 2001 developments and the plans for departmentalization of Comparative Religion. For further benefit toward peace, harmony, and accepting co-existence, this study also highlights suggestions for developing the undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the higher education level. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Social Environment; Problem Solving; Financial Support; Administrator Attitudes; Childhood Attitudes; Parent Attitudes; Clergy; Participation; Observation; Interviews; Mathematical Applications; Mathematical Aptitude; Mathematical Concepts; Religion Studies; Number Concepts; Number Systems; Numeracy; Influences; Theory of Mind; Beliefs; Spiritual Development; Role of Religion

Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine children's mathematical understandings related to participation in tithing (giving 10% of earnings to the church). Observations of church services and events, as well as interviews with parents, children, and church leaders, were analyzed in an effort to capture the ways in which mathematical problem solving was related to the social context of tithing. I introduce the direct influence model to describe components of the practice itself and to identify supports and constraints that exist related to children's opportunities to engage in problem solving that varied by participation frequency and mathematical complexity. (Contains 2 figures and 1 footnote.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Philosophy; Educational History; Foreign Countries; Educational Change; Christianity; Religion Studies; Social Differences; Role; Social Systems; Social Change; Social Class; Teaching Methods; Educational Philosophy; Biblical Literature; Criticism; Cultural Education

Abstract:
Particularly after the Danish political system changed to parliamentarism in 1901, a growing interest in, and expanded meaning of, culture as a pedagogical category developed in relation to state schooling, on the road to a comprehensive school system for "the whole population". This article elaborates on the role played by theological scholars in particular in transforming "religion" into a pedagogised category of "culture", hence addressing what were to become central welfare state challenges: creating social cohesion, and thus defusing class conflict while maintaining social difference. The article examines two liberal theologians involved in the educational question, namely Aage Bentzen (1894-1953), Old Testament scholar and proponent of so-called biblical criticism, and one of his liberal-theological predecessors, Edvard Lehmann (1862-1930), founding father of Comparative Religion Studies and liberal theology as a movement in Denmark. A manifold understanding of "culture" appeared in their work which aimed at civilising, creating belongingness and establishing a common but differentiated relation to labour. In this endeavour, and in addition to scientific ideas of the Bible and Christianity as "culture" and "history", inspiration from--for instance--fascist and anarchist ideas on labour, state and society appear to fit well with inspiration from American pragmatism. The article argues that the theological pedagogisation of culture can be understood as a sacralisation of the state, aiming at governing the population through state schooling in a double sense: by creating cohesion while maintaining and producing social differentiation. (Contains 49 footnotes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Teaching Methods; School Activities; Jews; Personality; Values Education; Religion Studies; Private Schools; Hidden Curriculum; Day Schools; Judaism; Case Studies; Interviews; Administrator Attitudes; Teacher Attitudes; Religious Education; Public Schools

Abstract:
This article addresses how to teach character comprehensively by studying ways a school's concurrent curricula (the official curriculum, the operational curriculum, the extra curriculum, and the hidden curriculum) can be used to teach character to students. A single case study analyzes the curriculum at a Jewish day school by examining school documents and records, observing classroom instruction and school culture, and interviewing school administrators and teachers. This research concludes that the Jewish day school teaches character comprehensively through a religious foundation--from which the entire curriculum evolves. The study indicates that addressing character education through religious studies, school traditions, and school culture will enable both public and private schools to fully integrate character education into the school program. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Religion Studies; Democracy; Courts; Religion; Foreign Countries; Philosophy; Religious Education; Cultural Pluralism; Conflict; College Faculty; Intellectual Disciplines; Interviews; Surveys; Teacher Attitudes; Graduate Study

Abstract:
Established in 2000-2001, the Center for Religious and Cross-cultural Studies (CRCS) is the only master's level religious studies program at a non-religiously affiliated university in Indonesia. In many respects, the program is experimental, operating within the dynamic political and religious environment of the Muslim world's youngest and largest democracy. Like other large democracies such as India or the United States, the Indonesian government and courts have their challenges and opportunities in navigating a multiplicity of religions. In Indonesia, this took on particular urgency in the context of religiously-charged conflict in the 1990's and early 2000's which helped lead to the establishment of the CRCS. This paper seeks to explore how students and key faculty relate to the program's mission and approach to the study of religion while tracing the development of religious studies as a discipline in Indonesia. Special attention is paid to the political and, at times, controversial aspects of approaching religion with secular and pluralistic frameworks and language. It was informed by interviews and surveys conducted between January and May of 2010. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Religion Studies; Role Conflict; Conflict; Ethics; Religious Education; Teaching Methods; Philosophy

Abstract:
Religious studies classrooms are microcosms of the public square in bringing together individuals of diverse identities and ideological commitments. As such, these classrooms create the necessity and opportunity to foster effective modes of conversation. In this essay, I argue that communication attuned to shared human needs--among them needs for safety, respect, and belonging--offers a transformative response to the potential self-silencing and peer-conflict to which religious studies classrooms are prone. I develop this claim with reference to the research on teaching religious studies conducted by Barbara Walvoord and the pedagogy of theologian and Swarthmore University President Rebecca Chopp in formulating an "ethics of conversation" with her students. Building on this foundation, I make a case for developing an "ethos of conversation" in the religious studies classroom based on psychologist and peace activist Marshall Rosenberg's method of "nonviolent communication." While addressing the roles of conflict and toleration in the classroom through the perspectives of Alasdair MacIntyre and Jeffrey Stout, I argue that Rosenberg's approach to communication is a powerful asset to education that models constructive engagement in the macrocosm of civic life. (Contains 15 footnotes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Religion Studies; Introductory Courses; Catholics; Higher Education; Values; Surveys; Student Attitudes; Elementary School Students; Catholic Schools; Religious Education; Knowledge Level

Abstract:
A growing interest in the communication to students of the mission and identity of a higher education institution prompted this study about the presence of Catholic, Jesuit values in the introductory religious studies course at a faith-based university. To conduct this study a survey instrument was developed, piloted, further refined, and then administered again to about four hundred and fifty students. The study's results showed that the introductory course had a positive effect on the majority of students surveyed, namely, those who had no Catholic schooling or only had a Catholic elementary school education. Statistically significant advances in several areas of knowledge about Catholic teachings endorsed by Catholic bishops and the pope occurred. Although less extensive, knowledge of Jesuit values also advanced in the course. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Educational Philosophy; Social Sciences; Epistemology; Humanities; Religion Studies; Educational Theories; Literature

Abstract:
As a way of participating in the discussion on the disciplinary nature of philosophy of education, this article attempts to find another distinctive way of relating philosophy to education for the studies in philosophy of education. Recasting philosophical skepticism, which has been dismissed by Dewey and Rorty in their critiques of modern epistemology, it explores whether Cavell's romantic interpretation of it can allow us to conceive of skepticism as an exemplary practice of education, especially internal to the learner. This opens up the possibility of viewing the disciplinary nature of philosophy of education as congenial to other humanities like literature or religious studies, rather than to social sciences as usually considered. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Religion Studies; Elective Courses; Social Studies; Public Schools; Secondary School Curriculum; Curriculum Development; Classroom Environment

Abstract:
If world religions courses are created at all in public school districts, they often are designed to encourage cultural fluency and tolerance. It is a teachable moment for the teacher to witness in an hour these far-flung students moving beyond tolerance to collaboration. Taking on a world religions program typically is viewed as a risky proposition for a school district, particularly in the face of community concerns over church-state divide. Even when a course or a teacher finds early success, sustaining a program can be a challenge. Sometimes teachers with strong potential find a lack of support and training, or the courses fail to gain strong footing among a school's less controversial electives. Getting it right begins with a district-level commitment to teaching about religions not only in an elective course or two, but within the entire social studies curriculum. Among other things, the class environment must be one of mutual respect and understanding, where the philosophy and theology of the world's faith traditions are discussed in a safe space that allows all students to hold their own beliefs, values and questions while learning about beliefs that may well go against their own. Teachers of comparative religion, whether or not they divulge their own perspective, must remain neutral moderators. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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