Course credit
3 credit hours
Course description
Examination of the social bases of religious institutions; factors in religious evolution and change; comparative analysis of religious organizations and religious behavior; functions of religion in the social structure.
Delivery
This course is available in a web-based format, utilizing web pages and MyCourses, a computer conferencing program. MyCourses requires Internet access and a web browser — no additional software is required. Students may need access to someone who can assist with computer set-up.
Prerequisites
UNI students: 980:001
Instructor
Richard Featherstone, Assistant Professor
I was born in Salem, Oregon and I grew up in the Pacific Northwest where I did a lot of outdoor activities like trout fishing and horseback riding. I grew up in a Christian household and went to church on a regular basis until I went to college. When I was an undergraduate I worked various jobs and studied a lot. I was never one for the stereotypical college party scene.
In my sophomore year of college I got the opportunity to be an exchange student to Japan. That was a great experience, and I enjoyed learning more about Shintoism and Buddhism. In college I chose to major in sociology because I was interested in how human actions and attitudes were affected by group behavior. When I returned to the States I started attending an evangelical church near my home. I graduated with my Bachelor's degree from Oregon State University. Since I love learning, I went on to earn two master’s degrees: one in Comparative Religions and one in Sociology; later I received a Ph.D. specializing in criminology from Purdue University.
My current hobbies are varied, but I especially enjoy reading about theological and historical issues. I have worked in many different positions but probably my favorite job (besides being a professor) was teaching English to professionals in Japan. I also enjoy outdoor recreation, running, and exploring Iowa with my wife, Kathryn. Kathryn is also from Oregon, so we are adopted Midwesterners.
I started working here at UNI in the fall of 2002. Some of the other classes I have taught include: Criminology, Sociology of Policing, Juvenile Delinquency, Juvenile Justice, Criminal Justice, Social Psychology, and Urban Sociology. I enjoy researching topics in the areas of religion and crime. One of my first publications examined how young Catholics view the issue of sexual ethics. Feel free to email me if you have any questions about my background or interests.
Evaluation
11 assignments, 2 exams
Basic outline
Assignment 1
Assignment 2
Assignment 3
Assignment 4
Assignment 5
Assignment 6
Exam 1
Assignment 7
Assignment 8
Assignment 9
Assignment 10
Exam 2
Assignment 11
Written assignments
In Assignment 1, you will provide a personal introduction by describing your family background and your religious involvement. This not only helps me to get to know you as a student, but also encourages you to consider how you have been socialized regarding your religious beliefs. This written assignment is worth a total of 6 points.
There are a total of 7 video lessons for this course in Assignments 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. Each video lesson is presented by a knowledgeable member of a particular religious tradition. You are to view each presentation and then write a short paper answering the questions pertaining to the lesson. To view the videos lessons you will need to download and install FREE RealPlayer. Each written assignment should be between three and five double-spaced pages in length. Each assignment is worth up to 12 points.
This class requires field research. For Assignment 4 you will be required to visit an organized religious group in your area. Essentially, you will need to attend a place of worship, observe the setting, activities, and symbolisms expressed there, and then write up a description of that experience. You will also need to mail an official bulletin or handout from the day’s service with a copy of the Assignment Identification sheet to the UNI Continuing and Distance Education Office. The observation paper is worth 30 points.
In addition to visiting a place of worship, students will also be required to interview a religious leader for Assignment 7. This person does not need to be a paid staff member, but he or she must be involved in an important administrative position within their religious organization. After conducting a personal meeting, you will write up a summary of what you learned about the responsibilities and challenges of this ministry position. This paper is also worth 30 points.
For Assignment 11, students will write a 7 to 9-page research paper on a lesser known religious group operating in the United States. I have provided a list of groups to help you select; you may be able to research another group if you want, but you need to email me first. This paper will describe the history, beliefs, polity, rituals, and social characteristics of a particular religious organization. It is worth a total of 50 points.
Exams
There will be a total of two proctored exams for this course. Exam 1 will cover chapters one through four of the required textbook. Exam 2 will cover chapters five through seven. Each exam will consist of 25 questions which will be worth one point each. These exams will test your knowledge and comprehension of material covered in The Churching of America. Exams will be composed of multiple-choice, true or false, and short answer responses.
Grading
The maximum points assigned for each course requirement are:
| Assignments 1(personal introduction | 6 |
| Assignments 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 (12 points each) | 84 |
| Assignment 4 (field observation) | 30 |
| Assignment 7 (interview) | 30 |
| Assignment 11 (research paper) | 50 |
| Exam 1 | 25 |
| Exam 2 | 25 |
| Total Points | 250 |
Grading Scale:
A = 250 – 234
A- = 233 – 225
B+ = 224 – 217
B = 216 – 209
B- = 208 – 200
C+ = 199 – 192
C = 191 – 184
C- = 183 – 175
D+ = 174 – 167
D = 166 – 159
D- = 158 – 150
F = 149 – 0
Textbook(s)
Roger Finke and Rodney Stark. The Churching of America, 1776-2005: Winners and Losers in our Religious Economy, 2nd ed. 2005. Rutgers University Press.
Texts are available from www.bookfinder.com
University Book and Supply carries most books used in guided independent study.
To search for textbooks by course, click on "Select a Campus Term" and select Univ.Northern Iowa - Guided Independent Study
Visit the store at 1009 West 23rd Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Phone: 319-266-7581 or 800-728-7581
Fax: 319-277-1266
E-mail: bookstore@panthersupply.com
To enroll
ONLINE
GIS enrollment information
IN PERSON
UNI Continuing and Distance Education
2637 Hudson Road (corner of 27th St. and Hudson Rd.)
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0223
Campus map (Look for Building 31)
For more information
Cindy Klodt, Guided Independent Study
UNI Continuing and Distance Education
319-273-2123 or 800-772-1746
ContinuingEd@uni.edu