Rel 359
Religion and Colonialism

Tuesday and Thursday 1:30-2:50
Science 208
Prof. Laura Ammon
Office: Platner 112
Ext.: 4791
Office hours:  To Be Announced
Or by appointment
email:  LauraAmmon@linkline.com

Course home pages can be found here: www.trickster.org/basilica

Using an internet source in your paper? Look here for citation guidelines.
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/department/so/samuel/netref.htm

Course Description: This course explores the nature of colonialism and the world it has made. Colonialism forged how Europeans thought about race and the "Other." In the process, Europeans came to think about themselves in terms of new identities and, at the same time, colonized peoples redefined their own identities. We will examine issues in the relationship between religion and colonialism in a variety of cultural contexts.  We will explore the literature on the role of anthropologists and missionaries in the expansion of western colonialism and look at theoretical approaches to cultures and historical events.

The course goals are at least the following (and some others I’m sure we’ll discover together)

To familiarize students with the relationship between religion and colonialism and the implications of that relationship for society.
To enable students to appreciate and critically analyze the social- political role of religion in various contexts, both western and non-western.
To facilitate the creation of a context which allows and encourages students critically to appreciate the role of religion both in creating situations of oppression as well as in being a resource to resist oppression.
To create a forum in which the students can begin critically to analyze the social- political implications of religion in their own contexts.
To introduce the methods of discourse that constitute an academic conversation enabling students to formulate responses within that discourse. We will focus on the construction of academic discourse — what is the thesis of the article/book, how are the points presented and argued for and about, as well as what constitutes evidence and interpretation.

This class will function like a seminar. This means that you are expected to come to class not only having done the readings but prepared to discuss issues raised by the material you have read. The quality of this class is dependent on you almost exclusively.  This class will be very interactive — you need to come to each class prepared to TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE READ! If it helps you to be prepared for conversation, make notes on the following:

What is the main point of the selection?
What is the thesis (what is the author arguing)?
What are the secondary points?
What kinds of evidence is the author using to make her/his points?

Course Requirements:

• Reading assignments: This class is what you make it. Please come prepared to discuss the readings.

• Attendance is required. This course will be primarily a discussion course, we will all discuss the various books and their themes and contrasts. In order for each of us to get the most from this experience, each person must come to class prepared.

• Writing assignments: You are required to write 1 paper 10 page in length on a class topic of your choice. The font should not exceed 12 points and the margins should be 1” top and bottom, left and right.  If you use an internet source that is not from the course homepage you must put the URL in the footnote. This is very important. I have prepared an internet resource page specifically for the topics in this class. Please utilize that resource.

Assessment

Grading will be done on a point system.
            Papers                                              50 points each, total possible
            Participation                                      50 points
            Film reviews                                     10 points  (at least 2)
            Field trip reviews                               20 points (at least 2 depending)
            Internet project                                 10 points

Field trips
           San Juan Capistrano
           Chumash Village in Thousand Oaks

3 missed classes without contacting me will cost you 1 letter grade.

There will be possibilities for extra-credit.
This course is only offered for a grade.
There will be no incompletes issued.

Required Texts
Marshall Sahlins, How Natives Think: About Captain Cook for Example
David Howard, Conquistador in Chains
Jerry Bentley, Old World Encounters
Ngugi wa Thiongo, Devil on the Cross
Jonathan Spence, God’s Chinese Son
Various readings on reserve