RLST407: “Isms: Religion and Categories”
Holly Grether, Ph.D.
[email protected]
Wed. 3:10-6:00
Office: Wilson 2-164
Hrs: Tues. 11-1 (or by appt).
Cell: 579-4235
Seminar Description:
Ism as a suffix is used primarily either to denote a principle, belief or movement
(Hinduism, Buddhism, Capitalism, etc.) or a form of prejudice or discrimination against a
particular group (heterosexism, racism, etc.). In both cases, Isms are constructed within
academic and public discourses as a means of categorizing and analyzing social
phenomena. This seminar explores the construction of particular Isms within a variety of
contexts.
This seminar will draw upon knowledge from various disciplines, including Political
Science, Law and Society, Anthropology, Religious Studies, History, and Sociology, to
stimulate engaging discussion regarding the social construction of specific Isms.
The seminar will be organized into two conceptual parts. Part I explores how key
concepts, such as hegemony, power, and knowledge, pertain to the construction of public
discourses. The main theorist read will be Michel Foucault. Here, focus will be on
Foucault’s nuanced discussion of the complex process by which public knowledge is
produced. Foucault’s analysis of the intertwining forces of power, knowledge, and
discourse will serve as a theoretical base for exploring specific Isms in Part II.
Part II will investigate the social construction and impact of several Isms – including
capitalism, racism, Americanism, Native American-ism, Colonialism, and Buddhism. For
your final, you will be asked to write and present a research paper on your own choice of
a socially or religiously constructed Ism.
Prepared participation is the single most important element of the seminar. Many of the
readings are difficult to understand and each week you will be required to read
approximately 100 pages. Therefore, start reading early so you can write a thoughtful
response. I recommend taking notes so you can not only present your own insights, but
also respond intelligently to other students’ weekly essays during discussion.
Regular attendance is required. Since we only meet once per week, it is imperative that
you plan to be at class each week. Missed classes will surely result in poor grades. In
case of an emergency, please contact me a.s.a.p.
Seminar Grading:
Participation:
Weekly Essays
Leading Discussion
Research Statement/3 sources
Final Presentation/Paper
25%
30%
10%
10%
25%
(250 pts)
(300 pts)
(100 pts)
(100 pts)
(250 pts)
Assignments:
1. Weekly Essays: Each week, you will be expected to write and discuss a 1-2 page
single spaced essay reflecting on the week’s readings. If there is more than one
reading assigned, try to connect some theme or point across the selected articles.
You will be graded based on your ability to both understand and critically engage
the issues being discussed in the readings. Be sure to ground your analyses with
specific examples and quotes from the readings.
2. Leading Discussion: In small groups, students will lead discussion for the first
half of one seminar period. Come prepared with a class activity, discussion
questions from the assigned readings, and (if applicable) outside information and
sources.
3. Research Statement/Bibliography (DUE 3/21): For this assignment, briefly
summarize your research project, including a statement of what research has been
done and what you still plan to do. Include an annotated bibliography for three
sources. Annotations can be informal—such as a bullet list—but they should
highlight the points, data, and/or quotes that you plan to incorporate in your final.
4. Final Project: For the final project, you will be asked to write and present a paper
that explores a specific, socially constructed Ism (such as terrorism,
fundamentalism, creationism, Mormonism, or you can expand upon an ism that
we covered in class). You must use at least ten sources (five need to be scholarly
sources). Draw upon a range of data (such as newspaper articles or other public
media, artistic representations, journal articles, books, statistical data, etc.) and try
to incorporate a theorist from this course to frame/compliment your paper. Include
some form of visual data (such as power-point, pictures, graphs, etc.) and
conclude by posing questions for further discussion. With prior approval, final
presentations can be done in pairs or small groups. However, each student will be
responsible for his or her own project.
5. As part of your presentation grade, you will also be asked to discuss the specifics
of your classmates’ presentations. Be considerate and listen carefully, but don’t be
afraid to point out areas of weakness and offer suggestions for improvement.
Texts:
Michel Foucault, Discipline and Punish
Michal Foucault, History of Sexuality Part I
Eve Darian Smith, New Capitalists: Law, Politics, and Identity Surrounding Casino
Gaming on Native American Land
Eve Darian Smith, Religion, Race, Rights: Landmarks in the History of Modern AngloAmerican Law
Anne-Marie Cusac, Cruel and Unusual: The Culture of Punishment in America
Articles/Excerpts: Located on D2L under course content.
Please let me know A.S.A.P. if you cannot locate the readings.
Outline of Seminar Meetings/Assigned Readings
Jan. 18 TOPIC
Introduction to Course/Defining Terms
Who are ‘Native Americans’?
Isms --Taxonomies, Language, Discourse,
and Representation of the ‘other’
Jan. 25 Capitalism and Native-Americanism
Jan. 11 Feb. 1 Feb. 8 Power and Knowledge:
Discourses on punishment
Panopticism
Feb. 15 ASSIGNED READINGS In-­‐Class readings and discussion H. M. Hopfl – “Isms” (pp. 1-17)
Bruce Lincoln, “Introduction” (pp. 1-12) and
Varun Soni – “Civilizing Bond(age) and
Saving India(na)”
Darian Smith:
New Capitalists: Law, Politics, and
Identity Surrounding Casino Gaming on
Native American Land (Read all)
Foucault: Discipline and Punish, pg. 3-103
Foucault: Discipline and Punish, pg. 135-228 Feb. 22 Americanism and Punishment
Michael Brown, et. al:
-“Of Fish and Water: Perspectives on
Racism and Privilege” (34-65)
Sherene Razack:
-“Race Thinking and the Camp” (3-22)
Cusac: Cruel and Unusual, pg. 1-211
Feb. 29
Protestantism and Punishment
Cusac: Cruel and Unusual, pg. 212-259
March 7 Capitalism, Colonialism & Nationalism
Darian-Smith: Religion, Race, Rights:
Landmarks in the History of Modern AngloAmerican Law (Introduction, Chaps. 4, 5, 7,
8 & Conclusion)
March 14 SPRING BREAK Power and Knowledge: Discourses on Sex
Racism March 21
March 28
Colonialism and Use of the Body April 4
Buddhism
{Presentation by Holly . . . no paper due}
April 11
April 18
April 25
Finals week
FINAL PRESENTATIONS
FINAL PRESENTATIONS
FINAL PRESENTATIONS
FINAL PRESENTATIONS
Foucault: History of Sexuality, pg. 1-49, 53114, 135-159
Research Statement and 3 sources DUE
Sherene Razack:
-“If it Wasn’t for the Sex and the Photos:
The Torture of Prisoners at Abu Ghraib”
(pg. 59-80)
Joseph Alter:
Gandhi’s Body: Sex Diet, and the Politics
of Nationalism (pg. 1-52)
Donald Lopez:
-“Introduction,” (pg. 1-30)
Charles Prebish: (Chapters TBA)