Spring 2025 - HUM 330 B100
Religions in Context (4)
Class Number: 4464
Delivery Method: Blended
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Jason Brown
jba100@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
45 units.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
In-depth investigation of a specific aspect of religious history and tradition. Religions will be studied through the cultural and historical contexts that pervade and structure religious meaning and expression. May be repeated for credit when a different topic is taught. Breadth-Humanities.
COURSE DETAILS:
Most of the steady trees of the world’s great religions have at least one mystical branch which grows out over dark waters of unfathomable depths. In this course we will explore the variety of expressions of these mystical institutions, teachings and writings and their approach to the Divine. This will include a look at historic and contemporary monasticism, recluses, hermits, radical ascetics, visionaries and mystics. While many monastic lineages see themselves as an integral part of their respective religious traditions, some antinomian movements (which reject merit-based moralism) have been downright anarchistic. Some religious poets, though rooted in orthodoxy, seem to speak of an ineffable silence at the heart of the Divine where all religious distinctions melt into oneness. While men have often dominated the institutional dimension of religion, as we shall see, women have a much stronger representation among the mystics. Lastly, in an age of religious change and ecological transformation there is a tendency to identify as spiritual but not religious, making mysticism and contemplative spirituality more relevant than ever.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
- Define and explore terms like monk, nun, mystic, poet, hermit, recluse, sufi, sanyasi, sadhu, aghori, and fakir.
- Survey the basic history, concepts and personalities of monasticism and mysticism in the Abrahamic, Dharmic and Chinese religious movements.
- Ask whether Indigenous shamanism can be grouped together with mysticism.
- Explore the depth of women mystics in these traditions.
- Discuss modern expressions and movements related to ecology and social isolation in a digital age.
Grading
- Weekly Reading Reflections 20%
- Monk for a Month Journal Reflection 20%
- Interpretive Essays x2 30%
- Final Exam 20%
- Free Writing Journal Summary 10%
NOTES:
This course fulfills the Global Humanities requirements for the
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
All texts will be posted to canvas as PDF or hyperlinks.
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.