Psychology
of Religion
PSY 4703
Fall 2007
Instructor: Dr. David Dietrich
Office: 207E Varnell-Jones
Phone: (w) 425-3445 (h) 664-9904
e-mail: dietrich@lambuth.edu
Text: none
Course Description
Psychology and religion have a long,
sometimes turbulent history. Despite the
presence of past antagonism, the relevance of the merging of these two
disciplines has never been more important than it is today. The world we live in now often highlights
differences between nations, societies, members of political parties, and
individuals in religious terms. Religion
is seen as an important path to understanding others, often in a descriptive
way (“Jim is Catholic and Catholics believe ___, so that’s why Jim believes
____”). Psychology is a discipline
dedicated to understanding how people think, act and feel. Given the importance of religion in shaping
how most people see themselves and the world, it makes sense that a
psychological understanding of religion would be an important part of
understanding people. Psychology as a
discipline has chosen a scientific approach to its subject. Adopting the scientific method and relying on
research and data have allowed psychology to become more decisive in its
analyses. This course will look at the
application of psychological methods in understanding religion.
While there are many facts that must be learned to
master this area of psychology, emphasis will be placed on each student’s
ability to apply these concepts to practical situations. In other words, if you are most comfortable memorizing isolated bits of information and spitting them
back out on exams, prepare to become uncomfortable. You will be encouraged to process, analyze,
synthesize, conceptualize and many other "izes” which have yet to be
named. This course requires you to be
an active participant – “active” meaning someone who critically thinks about
the material, not someone who necessarily answers all the questions in
class. It is expected that you will read
the assignments BEFORE class, and
participate in class activities and discussions. Class time will be spent elaborating on
certain key points from the readings.
Not all material in the readings will necessarily be discussed in
class. However, you may be tested on the
material not covered in class. I will
provide information in class that supplements what you have read, so your class
notes may be vital in your understanding of the material. As an upper-level psychology student, you are
expected to be an active, independent learner who is capable of handling this
type of academic responsibility.
Course Objectives
Each student is expected to master the following
academic tasks:
· Understand the challenge of defining religion
· Understand the history of merging religion and psychology
· Understand the complexities and dynamics of conducting
psychological research in religion
· Understand the application of developmental theory to
religious development
· Synthesize information from previous psychology classes
into the discussion of religion
· Understand the effect of research methodology on research
results
· Critically examine how religiosity affects behavior
· Apply information from the course to current events
· Apply information from the course to your personal
experience with religion.
· Enhance the ability to think critically about issues in
the psychology of religion
· Improve communication skills through class discussion and
written assignments
Grading
Your progress in this course will be
assessed in several ways:
· Four
examinations will be given throughout the semester to assess your knowledge of
specific content.
· You
will also be required to compose a personal reflection in a journal for each
chapter covered and for each class period dedicated to a topic not found
covered in your text. We may spend
several class periods on a single chapter.
When this occurs, you are only responsible for one journal entry for the
chapter. You are not writing an entry for each class period. When a reading assignment is given
outside of the text, you are expected to write a journal entry based on that
reading. The purpose of this requirement
is to provide you with an opportunity to apply the concepts we discuss. This is one of your opportunities to broaden
your understanding of the material found in the text and outside reading. All journal entries must be typed,
double-spaced and placed in a three-ring notebook or folder. This journal must be turned in at the beginning
of class on the day of each exam. Journals will not be accepted late for any
reason. Excuses such as a faulty
computer disk, an inability to find a printer to print your entry, or any other
technological problem will not be accepted.
Knowing this, you should complete your entries in time to turn them
in. Your final journal assignment will
be turned in on the last day of classes prior to the final exam. Some students
find it difficult to cram for an exam and complete the journal assignments at
the same time. I suggest three things: 1.)
do not cram for exams, instead study in small increments of time; 2.) do not
wait until the day before the exam to complete your Journal assignment; 3.) if
you ignore my two previous suggestions, do not complain about how difficult it
is to study for the exams and complete the journal assignments.
In your journal you are attempting to demonstrate several
abilities: 1.) your ability to
effectively apply concepts from the chapter or our discussion to your own life;
2.) your ability to think creatively; 3.) your ability to write coherently, properly,
and in a manner approaching professional levels. Because this is what I expect from you, you
should be prepared to spend a good deal of time considering and composing your
answers. You will be assessed on the
content of your responses as well as your writing ability. Students frequently ask how long the answers
should be. Your answer should be of sufficient length that if someone who had
never taken a psychology course picked up your journal, they would understand
exactly what you had written about. If
you know that you need help improving your writing come see me so we can talk
about options to find the help you need.
· Finally,
class participation is a vital part of this course. Your grade in this area will include more
than just your presence in class. Your
willingness to answer questions, ask questions, and participate in class
discussions and activities will also be considered. TURN YOUR CELL PHONE OFF WHEN YOU ENTER THE
CLASS. Answering/checking/using your
cell phone during class affects your class participation grade. If you have an emergency situation that
necessitates your use of a cell phone, make me aware of this before class
begins.
Your
final grade will come from the following sources:
Exams = 50%
Journal = 30%
Class participation = 20%
The
following percentages will determine your final grade:
>90
= A 80-89 = B 70-79 = C 60-69 = D below
60 = F
Academic Integrity
Cheating in any form will not be
tolerated in this course. Following
Lambuth guidelines, if the instructor determines that you have cheated on a
test or assignment, you will fail that test or assignment. If this occurs a second time, you will fail
the course and your name will be given to the Academic Dean. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, giving
or receiving assistance on an exam or assignment and plagiarizing.
Special Needs
If you have a handicapping condition
that affects your academic performance, inform me at the beginning of the
semester so that appropriate accommodations may be arranged. If, during the semester, you experience
problems with the course content, structure, or me, do not hesitate to discuss
this with me. Call me at my office
number, at home, e-mail me, drop by my office, or make an appointment.
Letters of Recommendation
Many psychology majors plan on
attending graduate school. Most graduate
programs require letters of recommendation from professors as part of the
application process. Other psychology
students may plan on finding a job immediately after graduation. Some of these employers might also require
letters of recommendation as part of the application process. If you are planning on asking me for a letter
of recommendation for you, it may be helpful for you to know the things I
consider when writing such a letter. I
take into account:
y your academic performance (grades)
y the apparent effort you put into
you studies
y your attitude and motivation
toward school, including attendance, tardiness, and persistence
y the quality of your writing
y your level of responsibility and
dependability
y the nature of the questions you
raise in class and the comments you make in class
y your ability and willingness to
take part in out-of-class activities both within psychology
(Psych Club, Psi Chi) and
outside psychology
When asking for a letter of recommendation from any professor, it is proper to: 1.) ask the professor if he or she would be willing to write you a letter of recommendation; 2.) provide the professor with all of the necessary forms and information at least two weeks before the due date; and, 3.) provide stamped, addressed envelopes for any material that the professor must mail.
Schedule (Subject to change by the professor)
Date Topic Text
Assignment
Aug 27 . . . . . . . . . . Psychological Nature, functions
and
Empirical study of Religion
Sep 10 . . . . . . . . .
. Religion
and Development
Sep 17 . . . . . . . . . . Religious Experience
Sep 24 . . . . . . . . . . . Exam 1 (Turn in your journal)
Oct 1 . . . . . . . . . . .
. Mysticism and Death
Oct 8 . . . . . . . . . . .
. Religious Fundamentalism
Oct 22 . . . . . . . . . .
. . Morality, Prejudice, Terrorism
Oct 29. . . . . . . . . . . Exam 2
Nov 5 . . . . . . . . . . .
. Religion and Coping
Nov 12 . . . . . . . . . .
. Religion and the Clinical
Practice of Psychology
Nov 19 . . . . . . . . . .
. Exam 3
Nov 26 . . . . . . . . . .
. Political Behavior/Social
Psych of Religious
Organizations
Dec 3 . . . . . . . . . . . Psychology of Atheism
TBA Final Exam