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PSYCHOLOGY OF RELIGION
PSY 497 SPRING 1999 (2 hours)
Gregory K. Moffatt, Ph.D.
office: 669-2089 home: 770-719-0351
Office Hours: MWF 9-11:00

II. REQUIRED READING:
Hood, R., Spilka, B, Hunsberger, B., & Gorsuch, R. (1996). The psychology of religion: An empirical approach. 2nd edition. New York: The Guiliford Press.

III. COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The student will demonstrate an understanding of religion from a psychological perspective. This will include a knowledge of the commonalities between some commonly practiced religions, moral and religious development, and the psychological factors involved in a number of religious issues.

IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
The student will complete a 1-2 page type written response for each assigned reading. These responses are due during class on the day the reading is assigned. No credit will be awarded for responses turned in after class. The response should not be a book report, but rather a thought paper in which one introspects and applies the issues discussed in the reading to one's own life situation. The papers will not be graded, but response from the professor will be made both in class and on paper.

There will be two quizzes. The first quiz will include material covered up to that point. The second quiz will cover all material from the first quiz to the end of the semester.

Class attendance and participation will be considered in calculation of the final grade.

Research Paper: A research paper will be required in which the student will integrate psychological theory of religion and doctrinal issues in one's own religion. The research paper is due April 7.

Written responses: 50 points
Quizzes 100 points
Class participation: 20 points
Research Paper 50 points


A=90%
B=80%
C=70%
D=60%
F<60%

V. POLICIES:
The attendance policy in the catalog will be followed. Missed exams will be recorded as zero points. See the attached handout for the policy on plagiarism. Three tardies will constitute an absence. Any absence will have an effect on one's course grade since this course is largely discussion. Engagement in class discussion is required.

VI. COURSE OUTLINE:

January 13 Course Outline/Introduction
January 18 MLK Day (No Class)
January 20 Chapter One
January 25 Chapter Two
January 27
February 1 Chapter Three
February 3
February 10 Chapter Four
February 15
February 17 Chapter Five
February 22
February 24 Chapter Six
March 1
March 3 Exam I
March 8 Spring Break
March 10 Spring Break
March 15 Chapter Seven
March 17
March 22 Chapter Eight
March 24
March 29 Chapter Nine
March 31
April 5 Chapter Ten
April 7 Research Paper Due
April 12 Chapter Eleven
April 14
April 19 Chapter Twelve
April 21
April 26 Exam II
April 28 Closing Comments

BIBLIOGRAPHY

James, W. (1985). The varieties of religious experience. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. (Original work published 1902)

Leeuwen, M.S. (1985). The person in psychology: A contemporary Christian appraisal. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Malony, H.N. ed. (1991). Psychology of religion: Personalities, problems, possibilities. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

Vitz, P.C. (1977). Psychology as religion: The cult of self worship. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

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