Professor: Raymond A. Eve, Ph.D.

Office: 442 UH

Hours: 1-2 MW, and by appointment

Phone: 817-272-3764 (office)

or 817-272-2661 (Sociology Office)

email: eve@uta.edu

 

 

 

Topics in Science and Religion

Sociology 4365.001

Fall, 2009

2:30 – 3:50 MW

Room 07 UH

Course Website: http://www.global-college.com/rayeve/courses/sci&relig/

 

I. Texts:

        a. Monahan, Susanne, et. Al. 2001. Sociology of Religion: A

           Reader. Prentice Hall.

          

        b. A bound selection of reprints from Bird’s Copies

          (off-campus at 208 S. East St., not far from the

           UTA Bookstore). See details, order packets at:

           http://www.birdscopies.com/

 

II. Course Description:

In recent years it would seem that the conflict between what might be termed faith vs. reason has intensified.  Science has become “the Great Legitimator” of the truth in many quarters of social life and discourse.  At the same time the so-called secularization hypothesis has failed.  That hypothesis, popular a few decades ago, depicted post-industrial societies that would have largely abandoned religion and paranormal phenomena in general.  Instead, there has been a great intensification of interest in these topics in recent years.  This course will examine the sociological functions of science and religion respectively.  The origins and functions of each will be examined.  A number of the current intense debates will be examined that embody an apparent conflict between science and religion.  

III. Attendance

Students attending regularly and otherwise showing motivation will receive more consideration than will those attending seldom. Chronic absenteeism (10 or more unexcused absences) will be grounds for failing the course at the Professor’s discretion.

IMPORTANT: NOTE THAT ARRIVING AT AN EXAM MORE THAN 10 MINUTES LATE WILL REQUIRE THE STUDENT TO SCHEDULE A MAKEUP EXAM AND PRODUCE A VALID REASON FOR MISSING/BEING LATE TO THE EXAM!

 

IV. Grading Practices:

Your grade will be based on three non-comprehensive exams (counting 25% each) and an optional term paper of about 12-15 double-spaced pages (which will also count 25% of your final grade).  If the student decides not to complete a term paper, the percentages will vary as shown below.

Reasons for excuses from exams must be very serious and should be checked in advance with the Professor. (Written medical excuses will be accepted).

Calendar (and grading percentages):

Exam 1 = 33%                                   Oct. 5th

Labor Day Holiday                              Sept. 7th

Last day to drop                               Oct. 30th

Exam 2 = 33%                                   Nov. 9th

Term Paper (optional, see below)               Nov. 23rd

Final Exam = 33%                               Dec. 7th at 2-4:30pm

(Students completing a term paper will have each exam grade count 25%, plus 25% for the term paper).

Term papers will be between 10 and 12 double-spaced and printed pages (not counting the cover pages and references).  See the professor or      the course website for details on how to compose a term paper.

Important!!! Any assignments turned in late will have their scores reduced by 5% each day they are late unless the student has shown serious reasons in advance to the Professor for the delay.

VI. Disabilities:

If you require an accommodation based on disability, I would like to meet with you in the privacy of my office, during the first week of the semester, to make sure you are appropriately accommodated.

 

 

VII. Dropping the Course

The Professor will not automatically drop any student from the roll. Students wishing to drop must make their own arrangements to do so.

VIII. Academic Honesty:

Students are expected to conform to the university’s policy on academic honesty. That policy is clearly stated in both the undergraduate and graduate catalogs and should be reviewed by each student.

IX. Student Success Programs

The University of Texas at Arlington supports a variety of student success programs to help you connect with the University and achieve academic success.  They include learning assistance, developmental education, advising and mentoring, admission and transition, and federally funded programs.  Students requiring assistance academically, personally, or socially should contact the Office of Student Success Programs at 817-272-6107 for more information and appropriate

X. Useful Computer Links:

 

      NetID - http://oit.uta.edu/cs/accounts/

             MavMail - http://www.uta.edu/oit/email

      Printing Quota - http://oit.uta.edu/cs/labs/printing