Prospectus

This course involves reading and responding to a representative range of classics writings of religious spirituality from several religious traditions.

Specific objectives for the student

• become acquainted with some of the writings on spirituality which have had formative influence on the development of religious thinking
• participate in the spirituality of persons different from ourselves
• develop a consciousness of the variety of expressions of spirituality
• trace development, similarities, and basic philosophical differences in the various expressions of religious feeling

Recommended Texts

The following books will be read by all students:

Confessions, Augustine of Hippo;
The Way of a Pilgrim, Helen Bacovcin (tr.);
Pilgrim's Progress, John Bunyan;
Imitation of Christ, Thomas á Kempis;
Bhagavad Gita, Anonymous

Additional Reading

Other course reading will be selected from recommended texts in the longer reading list or in consultation with the instructor.

Course Requirements:

1. The main work of the course will be reading of suggested texts. Aim for an average of 90 pages each week.

2. Weekly reports (1-2 pages) will be due on your reading. These papers should include:

(a) the name of the book or essay you read,
(b) the author and the setting of the reading,
(c) a brief synopsis of some of the ideas you found there,
(d) your own reflections on the material.

3. Six longer reports (3-5 pages) will be also be written, one on each of the five books assigned to the whole class plus one final paper which is due December 7 and in which you should pull together your reflections on the course.
4. You will be asked to make at least one 10-minute class presentation of your independent reading.
5. Class participation, as well as attendance, is essential and will be considered in the final grade.

Grading

6 major written reports at 7 each	42
6 minor written reports at 3 each	18
1 oral reports at 7	7
2 exams at 10 each each	20
Class participation & attendance	13
Total	100

Getting Help

Prof. Bowman's office is located in the basement of the administration building on the east side, room A35. You are welcome to drop in at any time, especially to discuss your understanding of the course material. If you have difficulty locating your instructor, please feel free to phone and arrange an appointment or send an e-mail request.

Syllabus, Part Two A schedule of daily lectures/discussions
Syllabus, Part Three A list of recommended readings