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Oxnard Course Outline

Oxnard Course Outline

Course ID: PHIL R110 Curriculum Committee Approval Date: 04/12/2017 Catalog Start Date: Fall 2018 COURSE OUTLINE

OXNARD COLLEGE

I. Course Identification and : A. Proposed course id: PHIL R110 Banner title: of Full title:

Previous course id: PHIL R110 Banner title: Philosophy of Religion Full title: Philosophy of Religion

B. Reason(s) course is offered: This course is a Philosophy AA-T required elective, and satisfies G.E. Humanities credit for IGETC, CSU and A.A. degree.

C. Reason(s) for current outline revision: Update per five-year review cycle: textbooks, minor corrections from previous outline; etc.

D. C-ID: 1. C-ID Descriptor: 2. C-ID Status: Not Applicable

E. Co-listed as: Current: None Previous:

II. Catalog : A. Units: Current: 3.00 Previous: 3.00

B. Course Hours: 1. In-Class Contact Hours: Lecture: 52.5 Activity: 0 Lab: 0 2. Total In-Class Contact Hours: 52.5 3. Total Outside-of-Class Hours: 105 4. Total Student Learning Hours: 157.5

C. Prerequisites, Corequisites, Advisories, and Limitations on Enrollment: 1. Prerequisites Current: Previous:

2. Corequisites Current: Previous: 3. Advisories: Current: Previous:

4. Limitations on Enrollment: Current: Previous:

D. Catalog description: Current: This course provides an introduction to fundamental concepts exhibited in the world's , as well as a critical exploration of reasons for and against widely held religious doctrines. Topics include: the attributes of , for and against God’s , the nature of religious experience, and , the problem of , the possibility of life after death, the contrast between and reason, and religious pluralism. Previous, if different:

E. Fees: Current: $ None Previous, if different: $

F. Field trips: Current: Will be required: [ ] May be required: [X] Will not be required: [ ]

Previous, if different: Will be required: [ ] May be required: [ ] Will not be required: [ ]

G. Repeatability: Current: A - Not designed as repeatable Previous: A - Not designed as repeatable

H. Credit basis: Current: Letter Graded Only [X] Pass/No Pass [ ] Student Option [ ]

Previous, if different: Letter Graded Only [ ] Pass/No Pass [ ] Student Option [ ]

I. Credit by exam: Current: Petitions may be granted: [ ] Petitions will not be granted: [X] Previous, if different: Petitions may be granted: [ ] Petitions will not be granted: [ ]

III. Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to: A. Identify key religious terms, concepts and and uses of religious language. B. Identify goals, methods, issues and problems associated with philosophy, religion, and philosophy of religion. C. Identify the primary attributes of God and the divine. D. Contrast and critique the arguments for and against the . E. Assess, using standard philosophical , the nature and value of religious experience. F. Describe the , similarity, and interrelationship between faith and reason. G. Recognize and discuss the profound difficulty in resolving the . H. Compare and contrast in supernatural miracles with views expressed in terms of scientific . I. Evaluate and contrast claims regarding life after death and immortality. J. Analyze the similarities and differences among current, as well as previous, worldwide religious traditions.

IV. Student Learning Outcomes: A. Students will demonstrate improved critical writing skills using philosophy of religion subject matter as the basis. B. Students will identify the major issues and arguments in the philosophy of religion. C. Students will develop the ability to think critically, objectively, and carefully about religious claims and issues.

V. Course Content: Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to: A. Philosophy, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion B. What is religion? 1. Religious language 2. Methods of studying religion/s 3. Religion in contrast with religions 4. Differing conceptions of a. Eastern Religions i. Taoism ii. Hinduism iii. Buddhism iv. Confucianism b. Western Religions i. Judaism ii. Christianity iii. c. Indigenous/Pre-literate traditions 5. Rituals and practices (worldwide) C. Divine attributes/God’s attributes 1. The nature of God’s power a. b. c. Omni-benevolence d. Omni-presence 2. Multi-cultural perspectives on divine attributes 3. and a. Cyclic conceptions of time b. Asymmetric conceptions of time D. Non-Western Proofs for God's Existence 1. Buddhist conceptions: Negation and emptiness 2. Hindu conceptions: Whence consciousness? E. Arguments for God’s existence: Ontological 1. The /s: St. Anselm 2. Critique/s of the Ontological Argument: F. Arguments for God’s existence: Cosmological 1. The /s: Aquinas “The ” 2. Critique/s of the Cosmological Argument G. Arguments for God’s Existence: Teleological (Arguments from Design) 1. The Argument from Design 2. The Watchmaker Argument: 3. Critique of the Argument from Design: 4. Darwinian 5. Critique of evolution: H. Religious Experience 1. Indigenous experience and 2. Eastern perspectives 3. : e.g., , “Varieties of Religious Experience” 4. Miracles: e.g., Richard Swinburne 5. Critique of miracles: David Hume, “Against Miracles” 6. Feminists, and Mystics I. Faith and Reason 1. 2. 3. and justified religious belief 4. 5. The verification problem 6. Hinduism: intellect and J. The Problem of Evil 1. The problem 2. Critiques for and against the theodicy problem 3. Mencius: nature is good 4. Global perspectives on the nature of evil K. Death and Immortality 1. Life after death (life after life) 2. Resurrection 3. 4. Critiques of theories of the L. Religious Language 1. Symbols all around 2. Metaphorical 3. Does "God-talk" make sense? 4. Divinity as pre-analytic/pre-reflective M. Religious Pluralism 1. Varieties of religions 2. Arguments for exclusivist religious beliefs/traditions 3. Arguments for inclusivist religious beliefs/traditions 4. The future of religion? N. Religion and 1. Moral/religious private life 2. Popular religion and Liberation theory 3. African-American Revolutionary Christianity 4. Confucius/Analects 5. Religion and Human Rights

VI. Lab Content: None

VII. Methods of Instruction: Methods may include, but are not limited to: A. Lecture (e.g., on Aquinas’ view of God’s power) B. Text Analysis (e.g., comparison of passages from Anselm’s “Ontological Argument” with Hindu perspectives on intuitive proofs of divinity) C. Class discussion (e.g. on the question of religious tolerance and social and/or governmental restraint) D. Multi-media presentations (including computer-based presentations, video review, actual demonstrations, etc.) combined with interpretation and analysis (e.g., reviewing a web page on religious issues in science or watching a film that explores the occurrence and practice of ritual and/or spiritual meditation) E. Small group discussion: (e.g., small groups discussing the interrelationship of reason and faith in their own lives) F. In-class student presentation: (e.g. a student reporting on unique views regarding life after death, e.g. perspectives on reincarnation) G. Guest speakers: (e.g. a panel of guest speakers, from both Eastern and Western religions, addressing the issue of the problem of evil and issues related to tolerance and compassion)

VIII. Methods of Evaluation and Assignments: A. Methods of evaluation for degree-applicable courses: Essays [X] Problem-Solving Assignments (Examples: Math-like problems, diagnosis & repair) [ ] Physical Skills Demonstrations (Examples: Performing arts, equipment operation) [ ]

For any course, if "Essays" above is not checked, explain why.

B. Typical graded assignments (methods of evaluation): 1. Critical essays a. Students should demonstrate how to "do" philosophy, (i.e., how to use philosophical methods of investigation and analysis) in their treatment of religion. b. Student essays should adequately identify and explain and appropriately compare and analyze significant issues from the history of the philosophy of religion. c. Students should develop and rationally defend positions of their own, which should be responses to issues, theories, and comparisons made within the philosophy of religion. 2. Exams: (ex. Identify key terms and concepts employed in the philosophy of religion and compare and contrast respective /theories/solutions with one another, e.g., Religious experience, East and West: What does it prove?) 3. Term papers: (ex. Research and report on social scientific contexts surrounding religious belief systems: e.g., ethics, culture, politics, economics, etc.) 4. Quizzes: (ex. Identify both strengths and weaknesses of one of the main proofs for the existence of an ultimate ) 5. Class participation: (ex. In-class discussion of a current topical issue in religion, for example, indigenous religious and governmental involvement and/or interference)

C. Typical outside of classroom assignments: 1. Reading a. Samples of primary source readings: i. Aquinas, “Is God’s Power Unlimited?” ii. Anslem, “The Ontological Argument” iii. Sri Aribindo, "Whence this Consciousness?" iv. Kant, “A Critique of the Ontological Argument” v. Paley, “The Watch and the Watchmaker” vi. James, “Mysticism” vii. Black Elk's Vision viii. John Cobb, "Emptiness and God" ix. Pascal, “The Wager” x. Hume, “The Argumentfrom Evil” xi. Freud, “The Future of an Illusion” xii. John Fire/Lame Deer, "Symbols All Around" xiii. , “Phaedo” (the immortality of the ) xiv. Sri Aribindo, "The Reincarnating Soul" xv. Russell, “A Free Man’s Worship” xvi. Fritthjof Schuon, "The Transcendent Unity of Religions" 2. Writing a. (Analyze a philosophical quote): “God is the idea that than which nothing greater can be conceived.” (3-5 pg.) i. Analyze what Anselm might have meant by this statement (giving reasons for your views) ii. Discuss what you think about Anselm’s argument, especially in relation to other proofs for God iii. Summarize Gaunilo's critique of Anselm's argument, (e.g. what are the assumptions he claims that Anselm makes?; What are the strengths and weaknesses of Gaunilo's argument/analysis, etc.) iv. Summarize your own views, in light of the ones you just discussed. b. (Short-answer writing for a quiz): “What is the difference between having an 'ordinary experience’ and having a ‘religious and/or spiritual experience’? in 100 words or less.” c. Compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of several arguments based on "Design" with several criticisms of Design in the as well as the Design argument itself. Note: include criticisms of criticisms; that is, recreate a dialogue or a back-and-forth debate. (7-10 pg.) d. Multi-choice exam questions on the similarities and differences between Eastern and Western perspectives, e.g. on a) issues, b) theories/perspectives, c) solutions, and d) problems/challenges 3. Other a. Review video lectures on topics in philosophy, religion, related to philosophy of religion. b. Research electronic databases for additional material on philosophy of religion as well the world's religions more generally/culturally.

IX. Textbooks and Instructional Materials: A. Textbooks/Resources: 1. Pojman, Louis P (2015). Philosophy of Religion: An Anthology Wadsworth Publishing Company. 2. Peterson, M.; Hasker, W., Reichenbach, B. (2012). Reason and Religious Belief (This is the most recent year available) Oxford University Press. 3. Cahn, Steven M. (2015). Exploring Philosophy of Religion Oxford University Press. B. Other instructional materials:

X. Minimum Qualifications and Additional Certifications: A. Minimum qualifications: 1. Philosophy (Masters Required) 2. Religious Studies (Masters Required) B. Additional certifications: 1. Description of certification requirement: 2. Name of statute, regulation, or licensing/certification organization requiring this certification:

XI. Approval Dates Curriculum Committee Approval Date: 04/12/2017 Board of Trustees Approval Date: 04/12/2017 State Approval Date: Catalog Start Date: Fall 2018

XII. Distance Learning Appendix A. Methods of Instruction Methods may include, but are not limited to: 1. Regular effective contact will be achieved through multiple measures such as: frequent use of announcements, emails, discussion boards, and other interactive communication tools as provided in the district’s LMS. In addition, regular effective contact will be maintained through comments on student work, interactive lectures with asynchronous questions and answers, and collaborative activities.

B. Information Transfer Methods may include, but are not limited to: 1. Chat/IM 2. Collaborative projects: group blogs, wikis 3. Course announcements 4. Discussion boards 5. E-Mail 6. Instructor-provided online materials 7. Lectures (recorded/streaming) 8. Messaging via the LMS 9. Modules on the LMS 10. Personalized feedback 11. Phone/voicemail 12. Podcasts/webinars/screencasts 13. Textbooks 14. Videoconferencing/CCCConfer/Skype

Course ID: 2123

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