English 192-007
Freshman Seminar: Spirituality in Multicultural America
Instr: Buley-Meissner, Mary Louise
Office: CRT 492; 229-4533
e-mail: meissner@uwm.edu
Office hours: TR afternoon and evening by appointment
Course Information: TR; 12:30-1:45pm; CRT 109
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the diversity of spirituality reflected in identities, beliefs and communities which are shaping multicultural American society in the 21st century. Freshman students across majors are welcome to this course, which investigates questions such as the following: How does spirituality influence individual identity, family bonds, and community memberships? How can people from different faith communities learn to respect their differences as well as to appreciate their similarities? Particularly in times when religious misunderstanding is prevalent, how can a better understanding of spirituality across cultures help people to work together for social justice? Rather than examining such questions through comparative theological studies, this course takes a more literary approach, focusing on contemporary interpretations and explorations of spirituality as an increasingly important influence on self-awareness and social commitments in modern society. Books include a collection of interviews with well-known Americans on their spiritual beliefs; a personal narrative of interfaith friendship among Muslim, Jewish and Christian women; a collection of essays on the essential beliefs of world religions in America; and the spiritual autobiography of a young Jewish American woman who connects the lessons of history (including the Holocaust) with the challenges of contemporary life (including marriage outside Judaism). Documentaries and films (such as "Jesus Camp," "Paper Clips" and "The Believer") will provide background for discussion of central course issues.
Course Books: The five required textbooks are available at the University Bookstore on campus and should be purchased at the start of the term. They include The God Factor: Inside the Spiritual Lives of Public People by Cathleen Falsani; The Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, A Jew - Three Women Search for Understanding by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver and Priscilla Warner; World Religions in America, 3rd ed., ed. by Jacob Neusner; Generation J by Lisa Schiffman; and The Rowman & Littlefield Guide to Writing with Sources, 3rd ed., by James Davis.
Course Requirements: The basic course requirements include class participation (20%); three take home essay exams during the term (60%); and a final essay exam (20%). The participation grade will be based on attendance, punctuality, completion of reading assignments on time, constructive contributions to small group and large group discussion throughout the term, and respectful attentiveness to others' views in class discussion. Essay exams will be based on course reading and class discussion; detailed guidelines will be provided in class. Full credit will be given only to exams completed on time; make up exams will not be scheduled.
Service Learning: Information about service learning options will be available in class. Participating organizations are affiliated with the UWM Institute for Service Learning (ISL). Students must register for English 298 001 to receive credit for service learning.
Attendance and "Incomplete" Policies: Attendance affects the final grade. Students trying to earn a grade in the "A" or "B" range should not miss more than three classes. Students who miss more than seven classes cannot pass the course. If you need special class accommodations, such as a sign language interpreter, please notify the instructor at the start of the term. "Incompletes" will not be given except under UWM conditions.
