Week 2 1/2

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Week 2 Content

This week, we will be studying Oral or Indigenous religious groups as well as the development and traditions found within the Hindu religion.
For a long time archeologists and religious scholars felt the Indigenous religious groups were not complex enough to warrant further research. 
Times and such attitudes have changed and with the onset of electronic devices the study of these cultures have improved. 
 
Week 2 Objectives:
  • What are the titles used for leaders of each religious tradition.
  • Discover the variety of places around the world where these groups can be found.
  • Identify the reasons Hinduism has prospered primarily on one continent

Readings

Textbook(s): 

Experiencing the World's Religions: Tradition, Challenge, and Change
Molloy, M. (2005) Experiencing the world's religions: tradition, challenge and change. New York: McGraw Hill
 
The questions before each chapter are not an assignment, but rather to guide your reading, helping you
pick out some of the primary content.
  • Chapter 2
Consider the following as you read Chapter 2:
  1. What factors have renewed interest in the study of oral religions?
  2. What is the purpose of the "vision quest" according to the speaker in the video and the text (pg. 53)?
  3. What are the threats to the indigenous religious groups, and consider ways they are affecting these religions.   
Key Terms for Chapter 2:
Shaman, Taboo, vision quest, pow wow, holistic 
  • Chapter 3 
Study questions meant to guide you as you read Chapter 3:
  1. What is samsara: Elaborate...
  2. What is the term used to mark the end of the cycle of reincarnation, and what does it mean?
  3. Define the term "puja" as it relates to the Hindu worship practices.
  4. Describe three different kinds of yoga
  5. What led to/shaped Ghandi's commitment to "non-violence"? 
Key Terms for Chapter 3:
   Brahma, karma, moksha, Shiva, samsara, Trimurti, yoga, guru, mantra, Vedas, ahimsa

Videos

Internet Explorer or Firefox are the only browsers to use when viewing these videos.
 
Native American 
  • View this video to get a first hand account of the Native American religious experience by Tom Render, an active member of the Lakota Sioux tribe.
  • If you are not able to view this video in one sitting then break it down into 15 min segments and return to it when you can. I believe that you will find Tom's first hand account of the rituals and beliefs of the Lakota Sioux informative and inspiring.

Hinduism
  • View this video to get a first hand account of the Hindu religious beliefs and experience by Harsha, an NMC Professor and an active member of the local Hindu community. As with the first video, break it down into 10-15 minutes segments if that works better for you.

Handouts

Week 2

This power point will help you review the primary points for this chapter.

(.ppt, 362K)
Download Chapter 2
This Power Point will help you identify the central themes in the chapter on Hinduism.
(.ppt, 2558K)
Download Chapter 3

Week 2 Discussion - Click to Post/Participate

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Week 2 Assignments

In addition to this week's readings, please complete the following:
 
Assignment 2.1: Week 2 Discussion - Chapters 2, 3  
  • Post/Participate in the Week 2 Discussion. Be sure to post your initial response in your assigned team by 11:55 pm, CST  Wednesday, and your 2 peer responses by 11:55 pm, CST, Saturday.

Upcoming...

 
 
During Week 3, you will complete the Mid-Way Exam.
 
Just a reminder...
 
You are required to visit 2 different places of worship service and submit a report of your religious experience, one by the end of week 3 and the other at the end of week 5.
Have you thought about where or what religious service or place of worship, you might attend (other than your own)?

Assignment Handouts