Day 6 (June 28): Individual Study and Research

a) Morning Session - Workshop on Teaching Methods, Resources and Curriculum Design

This session looks at approaches to teaching religion in the U.S. with a particular focus on integrating the humanities and the social sciences. Teaching methods including lectures, film, projects, and the use of media and the Internet will be discussed. Syllabi for courses taught on American religion by professors on campus will be distributed and discussed as examples of curriculum design.

Participants will share their own experiences with teaching and curriculum development. Resources including books, projects, and syllabi on courses on American religion found on web sites will be discussed.

Assignment:  To have examined one of the web sites dealing with resources for teaching religion in the U.S. Links to these sites will be posted on the institute web site in advance.

Workshop Participants: 

Dr. Catherine L. Albanese

Dr. Melissa Wilcox

Faculty from Religious Studies and institute staff available as resources.

The Academic Director will inform participants of faculty in other UCSB departments who might be helpful with their research interests and curriculum projects.

b) Afternoon Session - Library Orientation: 1:30pm

Librarian from the University Library will describe reference volumes; the American Religions Collection; the CD-Rom on "On Common Ground: World Religions in America" from Diana Eck's Pluralism Project; and access to the University of California Inter-Campus Loan System for getting books.