Religious Sects and Cults

Home , Chitty Chitty Death Bang, Church of Satan, Temple of Set

Cour nations in the world. Ye (NRMs). and conceptual issues that arise in studying New Religious Movements we investigate the American culture. Throughout this interrogating why the “cult” concept exists and h deemed “cults. powerful stereotype that ( Criminal Minds cults permeates American culture from our TV shows and seen as dangerous (politically, socially, and religiously)? This fear of meet with approval and acceptance. The United States is celebrated as one of the most religiously diverse Holy Smoke, Martha Marcy May Marlene, The Master, etc.

se Description: Religion 266 Fall 2016 , ”

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In addition, the “cult” Religious Sects and

history of specific “cults,”

t, not all religions dotting Cults obscure

appointment OH: Wednesday 2 weekends) from 8 and 5; not on [email protected] (M Dr. Lynn S. Neal , etc.) s

course, we will address these issues as the complex history of

Why are some groups called “cults”

stereotype

to news stories to feature films

- and tackle 3 or by - F

ow it functions in the Americ

prevent Cowan and Bromley, Urban, Course Texts: University Bookstore assigned readings to class!** Other readings posted on Sakai. **Please bring Documentary Reader Daschke and Ashcraft,

( Law & Order

the methodological

New Age, Neopagan, & New Religious Movements s religious groups

) us from . an landscape It creates a ,

Cults and New Religions New Religious Movements: A

“I have made a ridicule, not to actions, but to bewail, nor to scorn human effort not to understand ceaseless ~Spinoza them.”

Advice for Religion 266

The course requirements provide you with an opportunity to explore topics and issues in more depth and are designed to help you realize the course objectives.

To successfully accomplish the course objectives, remember to work hard, ask for clarification when necessary (if something is unclear, it is your job to ask me about it!), and keep the following information in mind: *All assignments must be completed in accordance with the Wake Forest Honor Code. Failure to abide by the rules of this community will result in failure of the course. *Plagiarism is a violation of the honor code. “To put your name on a piece of work any part of which is not yours is plagiarism, unless that piece is clearly marked and the work from which you have borrowed it is fully identified” (WFU English Department). Plagiarism will result in failure of the assignment. For more information, see plagiarism.org *If you have a learning disability that requires an accommodation, please contact the Learning Assistance Center (758-5929) and provide me with the appropriate form as soon as possible. *The Writing Center is a valuable resource for your papers. *Take advantage of office hours! I’m happy to meet and talk with you.

Course Grade Scale: A (100-93), A- (92-90), B+ (89- 88), B (87-83), B- (82-80), C+ (79-78), C (77-73), C- (72-70), D (68-65), F (64-0). *I do not round up final grades.

Course Objectives: By the end of the semester, you will be able to…

1. Identify and evaluate the complexities involved in defining and studying the concept of “cult,” as well as analyze how the “cult” label functions in relationship to conceptions of “religion” and “America.” Course Objective: Assessment

Objective 1 Participation & Professionalism 2. Describe, analyze, and/or compare the histories, Research Reports beliefs, and practices of a number of different Analysis Paper #1 groups labeled “cults.” Objective 2 Research Reports Participation & Professionalism 3. Articulate and utilize a methodology for studying Analysis Paper #3 NRMS and evaluation different types of sources. Final Research Paper Objective 3 Final Research Paper 4. Build interesting and complicated discussions about Research Reports Participation & Professionalism religion, which will advance our understanding of Analysis Paper #2 the topic and increase your ability to articulate your Objective 4 Research Reports ideas, as well as hone your thinking and critical Participation & Professionalism listening skills.

“Successful students estimate spending 2-3 hours outside of class for every hour spent in class.” ~Cliffs Notes

Requirements for the Course:

Participation & Professionalism (20%). Professor Pet Peeves: Please note that your professor has a Attendance at and active contributions to each class is few pet peeves: (1) falling asleep in class, (2) arriving late to expected. Studies show that talking about your ideas class, (3) leaving in the middle of class, and (4) packing up makes you smarter, and discussing issues and hearing early to leave class. Each of these actions disrupts and varying perspectives broadens your thinking and helps distracts our learning community and will lower your overall sharpen your analytical skills. Speaking and sharing ideas Participation & Professionalism grade. with each other is a vital part of learning. It also helps you Sick Days: The WF Bulletin states that students are “expected cultivate a variety of professional skills that are important to attend classes regularly and punctually.” Attendance is the in the workplace—listening and responding to others, expected norm; however, occasions of illness or ‘other events’ expressing your ideas, discussing areas of agreement and can at times prevent you from attending. Thus, you are disagreement, empathizing with others, etc. allowed two “sick days” over the course of the semester. Expectations: You enter the class with a “C” for More than 2 sick days will lower your Participation & participation. You earn a higher participation grade by Professionalism grade, and a significant number of absences enriching each class with your reading, research, questions, will result in a failing grade for the course. and ideas. To demystify this process I have created a Technology: We will be using technology at various times in Participation & Professionalism Rubric (available on the class to enhance our learning. However, when we are not Sakai) that outlines expectations, and we will periodically using computers/phones/tablets, please put them away so be discussing “participation” in class. This rubric includes: that you do not distract your classmates and so that you can listening, quality of contributions, impact on class, focus on the discussion. **A number of readings for class will frequency of participation, and focused on tasks. be available online. I encourage you to print readings out, To accommodate different positions on the then read, and then bring them to class. Studies show that we introvert/extrovert spectrum we will be utilizing different read more effectively on paper than on screens.** settings for participation, including class, a class Facebook

Page, and in-class activities. There will also be other Required Participation Log! opportunities, such as the Name Quiz (successfully identify 10 of your classmates to earn credit), through which you Quality discussions and participation do can show your engagement with and participation in the not occur naturally; rather, we must course. **See Sakai for ways to enhance your P&P intentionally build meaningful discussions and grade!** cultivate our participation skills. To do this, I have created a weekly Participation and Professionalism Disagreement is expected in class, especially in a class Log for you to complete that ask you to reflect on and about religion. We must learn how to talk with each other strategize about your participation in a sustained way. to enhance our learning and this includes disagreement. Completion of the Participation Log is required and Use disagreement constructively and respectfully. You can constitutes part of your P&P grade. Detailed say: “You made a good point, but I disagree because…” or guidelines for this assignment are on Sakai. “I respect your view, but it seems to overlook…”

Research & Reading To receive credit for your Reports (RRs) (20%): completed RR, you must I have designed a series of print it out, attend the class research and reading reports in which it is due, and turn it (RRs) that ask you to conduct in at the END of that class in research on web-based sources the designated folder. If you and to think about them in do not attend class, then relationship to the assigned you cannot receive credit for reading/topic. For example, you

may be asked to read an article an RR (no exceptions). on “cults” on TV, then watch an Grading: There are regular episode. You might then be opportunities to complete RRs asked to analyze the TV episode NOTE: Even if you choose over the entire semester. RRs will in light of the reading. Your task be evaluated each time you turn not to do a specific RR, is to complete each RR as them in and will be graded overall you should look at the directed. based on the number that you sources listed and review Purpose: (1) To engage the successfully complete over the the questions asked as course material in analytical and course of the semester. these will provide a basis synthetic ways, (2) To improve NOTE: To receive full credit for for our class discussion. your research skills, (3) To your RRs, your responses should improve you skills in assessing demonstrate thorough **Printers fail, so if you various types of sources, (4) To engagement with the questions. attend class, but are build more interesting and Your answers should be specific, unable to print your RR, complex in-class discussions. thought out, and go beyond what you may email it to me Logistics: RRs will be posted in is obvious. twice over the course of Sakai at least two days prior to Grading: the semester. their due date. RRs should be 19 RRs=100 typed, single-spaced, with 1 inch 18 RRs=95 margins, and they should show 17 RRs=90 evidence of having completed all 15 RRs=85 of the assigned tasks and 12 RRs=75 answering all of the questions in 10 RRs=68 a thorough and thoughtful

manner. **One sentence Fewer than 10 answers or minimal engagement completed RRs will with the RRs will lower your result in a 0 for this grade.** portion of your grade.

Family Guy “Chitty Chitty Death Bang”

3 Analysis Papers: Resources and specific Over the course of the semester, directions for all you will be researching and writing assignments can be found three focused papers that analyze a on Sakai. particular question or issue related to the study of NRMs. Final Research Paper: 20%

The final research paper provides you with an opportunity to go Time Cover 1999 deeper into one NRM and to demonstrate what you have learned over the course of the semester.

Assignment (20%): Research one

NRM in-depth by analyzing one “There is no analytical theme or dimension in its history. substance to the The theme or dimension can vary Analysis Paper #1 (10%): Research depending on the group in question popular definition of a and select one media source to and your research interests. Possible cult as a dangerous analyze and answer the question: themes or dimensions include, but group with bizarre Why is a cult not a religion? are not limited to: gender, sexuality, religious beliefs that violence, theology, law, Analysis Paper #1 is due Monday brainwashing, and media. follows a deranged or 9/12 via email by 5pm. cynically opportunistic Analysis Paper #2 (15%): Research, Final Research Paper Process: leader. One person’s select, and analyze two conflicting Researching and writing a successful ‘cult’ is another paper requires time and attention. sources about a “cult” to answer the person’s true faith.” question: How do scholars make Thus, you must complete the sense of and navigate conflicting following steps as a part of your final sources? paper. Failure to successfully ~Lawrence Foster complete these steps will negatively “Cults in Conflict” Analysis Paper #2 is due Monday impact your overall final research 9/26 via email by 5pm. paper grade.

Analysis Paper #3 (15%): Research, § Final Project Research Plan select, and analyze one dimension of § Final Project Research a “cult” (history, theology, gender, Summary race, etc.) that you plan to examine § Final Project Outline in more depth for your final § Final Project Presentation research paper.

Analysis Paper #3 is due Thursday Final Research Paper is due 10/20 via email by 5pm. Wednesday 12/15 via email by noon.

Wednesday 8/31 Welcome! Friday 9/23 Unificationism: Class Question: What is this class Questions about and what can you expect? Class Question: What’s the SAKAI: Rich, “Claiming an difference between conversion and Education” Leamnson, “Learning brainwashing? (Your First Job)”, Hooks, “Critical RR#7 Thinking” SAKAI: “Prologue,” and “Deprogramming/Faithbreaking,” Friday 9/2 Cults in the American Time Cover 1991 Urban: Pp. 212-216 Imagination Class Question: How have we been *Monday 9/12 Analysis Paper #1 *Monday 9/26 Analysis Paper #2 socialized to see “cults”? due via email by 5pm. due via email by 5pm. RR#1

SAKAI: “They’re Freaks!” Wednesday 9/14 Scientology: Wednesday 9/28 The Children of

Foundations God: Foundations

Class Question: What is Class Question: What is the Children

Scientology? of God/The Family?

RR#4 RR#8

B&C: “The Church of Scientology” B&C: “The Children of God/The

*NAME QUIZ at start of class Family International”

Friday 9/16 Scientology:

Questions Wednesday 9/7 Studying Cults Class Question: Why is Scientology Class Question: How do we study controversial? cults? RR#5 RR#2 (Required, Submit via email) Urban: “The Church of Urban: “Introduction” Scientology” B&C: “Cults and New Religions: A

Primer”

Attend brief Library Research Early Children of God Followers

Session in ZSR 476 and Complete Sakai Lesson Plan Online Friday 9/30 The Children of God: Questions Friday 9/9 The Scandal of Rev. Moon Class Question: What is the role of Scientology sexuality in the Children of God and Class Question: How is Scientology Wednesday 9/21 Unificationism: how do we evaluate it? depicted in the media? Foundations RR#9 RR#3 Class Question: What is D&A: “The Family/Children of God” Sakai: “The Mass Media and New Unificationism? Religious Movements,” and Hall, RR#6 “Stereotyping as a Signifying B&C: “The Unification Church/The Practice” Family Federation” D&A: “The Unification Church”

Wednesday 11/2 Jonestown: Wednesday 10/5 The Church of Wednesday 10/19 Writing Questions Satan: Foundations Workshop Class Question: How do we make Class Question: What is Satanism? Class Question: How can I improve sense of Jonestown? RR#10 my paper? RR#16 Urban: “The Church of Satan and Bring 3 printed drafts of your paper SAKAI: “Letters from Jonestown” the Temple of Set” to class. We will use these drafts for and “Accusations of Human peer evaluation. Rights Violations” Friday 10/7 The Satanism Scare: Urban: “People’s Temple” Questions *Thursday 10/20 Analysis Paper #3 Class Question: What’s the due via email by 5pm. Friday 11/4 Jonestown: difference between the Church of Questions Satan and the Satanic panic? Friday 10/21 No Class, Fall Break Class Question: Why did RR#11 Jonestown happen? SAKAI: “Satan’s Underground” and Wednesday 10/26 Jonestown: RR#17 “Occult Survivors and the Making Foundations 1 SAKAI: “A Witness to Tragedy of a Myth” Class Question: What was and Resurrection,” “Drinking the Jonestown? Kool-Aid” or “American as RR#14 Cherry Pie” SAKAI: “Jonestown and People’s Temple” and “The Devil in Mr. Jones”

Friday 10/28 Jonestown: Foundations 2 Class Question: What was Gerald Gardner Jonestown? Wednesday 11/9 Waco: RR#15 Questions Wednesday 10/12 Wicca: D&A: “Jonestown” Class Question: What is the Questions relationship between Jonestown Class Question: What is Wicca and and Waco? why are people so confused about RR#18 it? SAKAI: “Mass Suicide and the RR#12 Branch Davidians” SAKAI: “Satanism and Witchcraft” B&C: “The Branch Davidians” B&C: “Wicca and Witchcraft” Friday 11/11 Waco: More Friday 10/14 Wicca: Foundations Questions Class Question: What is Wicca and Class Question: What happened what does it mean to be a Wiccan? at Waco and why? RR#13 Jim Jones and his Rainbow Family RR#19 Urban: “Wicca and NeoPaganism” SAKAI: “The Branch Davidians D&A: “Wicca” *Monday 10/31 Final Project and Waco,” “Visions and Research Plan due via email by Omens,” “Showtime” 5pm.

Important Dates for this Friday 12/2 Research Paper Work Semester: Day & Consultations Class Question: How can I improve my paper? Assignment: Bring at least 3 printed Fake Nike Advertisement based 9/12 Analysis Paper #1 due on actual photograph. drafts of your paper and questions about how to improve your work. via email by 5pm Be prepared to workshop! 9/14 Name Quiz (in class) *Monday 11/14 Final Project 9/26 Analysis Paper #2 due Research Summary due via email Wednesday 12/7 and 12/9 by 5pm. via email by 5pm Research Paper Presentations 10/20 Analysis Paper #3 Wednesday 11/16 Heaven’s Class Question: What have you due via email by 5pm Gate: Foundations learned through your research? Half of the class will present on 10/31 Final Project Class Question: What was Research Plan due via Heaven’s Gate? Wednesday and the other half on email by 5pm RR#20 Friday. Each student researcher will B&C: “Heaven’s Gate” have 10 minutes to present the 11/14 Final Project D&A: Ch. 14, pp. 297-306 major findings of their research. Research Summary due via This is a formal presentation that email by 5pm Friday 11/18 Heaven’s Gate: requires preparation and practice. If you will be using a powerpoint or 11/21 Final Project Outline Questions due via email by 5pm Class Question: What happened prezi, please share that at Heaven’s Gate? presentation with me prior to class 12/2 Final Project Research RR#21 to speed up the transition between & Consultation Day SAKAI: “Scaling Heaven’s Gate” presentations. 12/7 and 12/9 Final Project and/or “Making Sense of the Presentations Heaven’s Gate Suicides” *FINAL: Your final research 12/15 Final Research Paper paper is your final exam. It is due via email by noon. *Monday 11/21 Final Project due via email on Wednesday

Outline due via email by 5pm. 12/15 by noon.

Wednesday 11/30 Course Wrap- Up Class Question: What have we learned this semester? Bring your computer to class!