Nov 14, 2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2024-25
CARS 2530 - Difficult Dialogues: Science and Religion
How do science and religion affect our everyday lives? For most of us the phrase “science and religion” calls to mind abstract debates over the nature of the universe, the existence of God, or the nature of humanity. And while these topics have fascinated intellectual elites for centuries, they can seem far removed from the experiences of most people in the present day. This is a Difficult Dialogues course which examines the relationship between science and religion, and the intimate and communal lives of people globally and throughout history. We consider how these knowledge systems have been defined in the context of global colonialism and empire and ask how they continue to shape expectations for political engagement, intimate relationships, and identity. Topics include secularism, sexual ethics, immigration, environmental protection, and healthcare.
Credit Hours: 4
OHIO BRICKS: Arch: Constructed World, Bridge: Diversity and Practice
Thematic Arches:
- Global Connections
- Science & Technology
General Education Code (students who entered prior to Fall 2021-22): 2CP
Repeat/Retake Information: May be retaken two times excluding withdrawals, but only last course taken counts.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 3.0 lecture, 1.0 discussion
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Course Transferability: OTM course: TMAH Arts & Humanities
College Credit Plus: Level 1
Learning Outcomes:
- Students will be able to define how a critical-historical approach to the study of science and religion differs from other philosophical, historical, theological, and social-scientific approaches to the study of science and religion.
- Students will be able to describe how colonialism, slavery, and patriarchy have shaped the history of science and religion.
- Students will be able to use historical context, close-text reading, and narrative analysis critically to interpret and evaluate the role of science and religion narratives on contemporary political debates.
- Students will be able to evaluate how perspectives and experiences of science and religion vary according to gender, class, race, and geographical locations.
- Students will be able to compare and contrast cultural attitudes towards science and religion in different global contexts.
- Students will be able to apply insights from a critical history of science and religion in writing and discussion in order to negotiate decision-making with those they disagree for contemporary ethical dilemmas.
- Students will be able to recognize the role of science and religion in their own core beliefs and ethical conduct and will be able to apply these insights empathetically to engage with others who hold opposing views on controversial contemporary issues.
- Students will be able to state a position on many different effects of scientific and religious authority on global societies drawing from a wide variety of literary and artistic expressions from diverse cultures and social situations.
- Students will be able to state logically and in good order conclusions to positions developed on questions of science and religion.
- Students will be able to communicate verbally and in writing with others with an openness towards those who hold different scientific and/or religious worldviews.
- Students will be able to ask complex questions about the manifold instantiations of science and religion in global cultures, and express their opinions in discussion and writing.
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