Updated Apr. 15, 2008 CHECK PERIODICALLY FOR ADDITIONAL OR REVISED QUESTIONS

Psychology 415, Spring, 2008

Time is running out!

OUTSIDE ESSAY OPPORTUNITIES

Of the points that go towards you grade, 30 are to be earned by writing short critical essays on events outside class on campus and in the community. These may be described more timely and fully in class or on BlackBoard. Given the commitment involved most opportunities are worth up to 10 points, some up to 15 points, and rarely up to 20 points each. Ten point essays should be 400-500 words, 15 point essays about 700 words, and 20 point essays about 900 words. The subject matter should relate to course material or the assignment for that event. Writing style, spelling, grammar, clarity of expression, etc. are taken into account.

Next to the item I have the deadline by which I need to receive the papers. If none or ‘anytime’ is listed, April 24 in class is the absolute deadline. This is necessary so that you may know where you stand in points before the final exam.

Jan. 18-19 - Stanley Hauerwas talks at Church St. Methodist Church: Due Mar. 1.

Feb. 12-13 - Darwin Day event talks: due by Mar. 13

Jan. 28 - Peter Dear talk (Science, God and Reason in Early-Modern Europe): due by Mar. 6

Jan 31-Feb. 17 - Life of Galileo play (20 points with added material): due by Mar 13

Feb. 28 - What does it meant to be human? Veritas UT and Dept. of Philosophy sponsored discussion: due Mar. 25

Mar. 25 – Richard Carwardine talk (Abraham Lincoln, God, and the Civil War) UC Auditorium (4:00 PM): due by April 24

April 8 – James VanderKam talk (The Amazing Dead Sea Scrolls: What They Are and What They Mean) UC Auditorium (7:00 PM): due by April 24

April 15 – Give God a Second Thought series at the John XXIII Center, 7:30. Relate to course material: due by April 24

Anytime – View Italian film at the UT Library Media Center (The Gospel According to Matthew) and relate it to issues raised by the Living Faith book

Anytime – View exhibit on human evolution at the McClung Museum and discuss in relation to the origins of religious practices

Anytime - Attend two religious services OUTSIDE your tradition or background. Compare and contrast them in some way, choosing among the following: rituals, music, congregation characteristics and behavior, sermons, use of sacred texts, cognitive and emotional content, etc. (15 points)

Anytime – View the film, ‘The Gospel According to Matthew’ on reserve at the Digital Media Center in the Hodges Library. Critique in comparison with the conceptual material in the Living Faith book as well as the biographies. You can pick one person from the latter to focus upon in your paper

View the NOVA show on the Intelligent Design Dover trial linked on the PBS website and compare the responses of the opponents and supporters of the ID movement in the public high school. Who came out with the strongest scientific message and ethical behavior? Do you agree with the court decision and why? You can also look at the Discover Institute website for a counter view and evaluate their critique with factual scientific standards for an additional 10 points. There may be alternate anti-evolution talks/films in April that may be appropriate but check with me.

Due anytime but planning essential. Examine plates in rare set of books by Bernard de Montfaucon (1722) at the Special Collections Rare Book Room at the Library (L’antiquité expliquée et représentée en figures . . . .). This is a magnificent set of 15 folio sized volumes with thousands of engravings by the first person to delve into ancient religions and ways of life. The books are written in Latin and French, but English text may be available. However, it is not necessary to read, but just to look. I have assignments available so if anyone is interested in searching through some wonderful illustrations, please see me or send an e-mail and I can explain further.