RE104 OC: Evil and Its Symbols

No Evil Monkey Kaigyokusai (Masatsugu) Japan, 1813-1892 ARTstor Collection Los Angeles County Museum of Art Collection Winter 2012 Religion and Culture at Wilfrid Laurier University Instructor: Margaret Leask Contact: Internal MyLearningSpace email Purpose: This course investigates the structure and function of evil and its symbols in the context of time, place and culture; beginning with concepts of the sacred and the profane and the nature of symbolism. The course focuses on three themes: evil and the environment, and indigenous experience of colonialism, and genocide. Course shape: The course opens with a two-week introductory unit on the structure of symbols of evil and their use in the study of religion and culture. You will create a concept map and participate in a Discussion in these first two weeks. The course proceeds to the three thematic units. Each begins with an overview of the topic as it relates to religion and culture, moving to specific case studies where

symbols of evil are identified and their function analyzed within the context of time, place and culture. The first written assignment for the course is an essay on a symbol of evil (Symbol Essay). You will create two other concept maps, participate in three other Discussions, write a quiz on the second thematic unit (Unit 3), participate in a group project, and complete the course with a take-home exam. As an online course, you are responsible to complete the readings and assignments for each week. The academic week is understood to start on the Monday of each week. Discussion posts and assignments will be due on Sundays at 11:59pm. Note: It is important to keep up with your work each week. Do not let yourself fall behind. Each weeks work must be completed by the end of the week for the course to function effectively as a learning community. Course Learning Objectives/Goals Students will learn how to:

assess an experience of evil and its symbol(s) from three or more perspectives. investigate and think through concepts, symbols and practices of evil. discover how to tolerate ambiguity, consider possibilities and ask questions that are unanswerable. (Source: Educator Sara Lawrence Lightfoot) develop thinking, writing and communication skills in the mode of the Humanities.

Learning Outcomes By the end of this course you should be able to:

name symbols of evil assess their significance in the context of contemporary social and cultural experience. identify and compare different concepts of evil associated with the environment, colonialism and genocide. assess news reports with a critical eye and ear for details about evil.

Course Tools and Learning Materials Textbooks: RE104 OC Course Pack

J. C. Cooper, An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols (London: Thames & Hudson, Ltd., 1998, 2002) 207 pp., ISBN: 0-500-27125-9 Thomas King, The Truth about Stories: A Native Narrative (Toronto: House of Anansi Press, CBC Massey Lectures, 2003) 167 pp., ISBN: 0-88784-696-3 Barbara Coloroso, Extraordinary Evil: A Brief History of Genocide (Toronto: Viking Canada, a division of Penguin Books, 2007) 224 pp., ISBN: 9780670066049 Media resources: DVD: Scared Sacred (Mongrel Media/NFB, 2005) This 2005 documentary by Canadian filmmaker Velcrow Ripper is one of the media resources for the course. You will watch the full film within the first week of the course. At various points throughout the course you will re-watch specific chapters. Some of the learning activities, online discussions, and assignments will elicit your analysis of this film for its use of symbols, presentation of evil and responses to suffering. Watching this film with the context of Evil and its Symbols enables you to extend and apply your knowledge of course materials to other forms of media, developing your ability as scholars of religion to interpret these. News media links Over the course of the term, students will follow six on-line news sites for symbols of evil related to current news stories: CBC News; BBC World Report online; Waterloo Region Record; Globe and Mail; Toronto Star; and the New York Times (see links below). The goal is to learn how to identify and interpret symbols of evil in news reports by reflecting on how these reports illustrate course concepts. Your Symbol Essay, take-home exam, and various learning activities require you to assess these news reports by questioning assumptions and images of evil presented in the media. These assignments provide you with multiple opportunities to develop your ability to apply course content to news media and to develop your critical thinking and writing skills. www.cbc.ca www.bbc.co.uk www.therecord.com www.theglobeandmail.com www.thestar.com www.NYTimes.com

Library Class Guides: See http://library.wlu.ca/subject/rel/re104.html, at class guides, posted under the link to Religion/Theology. You will find a comprehensive guide to library resources available for RE104 assignments. Student Evaluation Participation: Your participation mark is worth 20% in total, and has two components: First, online Discussions make up 15% of this mark. You have been placed in a Discussion group. You should post an introduction of yourself in the General Discussion section of your group by the end of Week 1 so that all of the group members can become acquainted with one another. You will be required to participate in all four Discussions, and each Discussion will last two weeks. For example, at the end of Week 2, you will post a response to specific questions. Then you will reply to at least two of your fellow Discussion group members by the end of Week 3. These discussions will be graded for content. There are four Discussions (Weeks 2-3, Weeks 4-5, Weeks 6-7, Weeks 11-12). Each Discussion is worth 5%, but only the best three marks will count toward your final grade (totalling 15%). Secondly, you are required to submit three concept maps at the end of Weeks 1, 5 and 12. Concept maps are a useful study tool. All three concept maps must be completed in order to earn 5%. Symbol Essay: Your first written assignment is an essay on news media and symbols of evil, and is due at the end of Week 4. It should be 900-1000 words in length. You will identify a symbol of evil from Coopers Illustrated Encyclopaedia and choose a news report that includes this symbol. You will explain and analyze how the symbol is used in the context of the news report. See Assignments in the Content section of the course for more details. You will submit the essay in the Dropbox. To prepare your essay see also the Writing Centres new online Writing Planner . Quiz: The quiz is worth 15% of your final grade, and is done online. The purpose of this quiz is to give you an opportunity to evaluate your understanding of the learning materials for Lessons 6, 7 and 8 (Unit 3). It will feature 30 multiple choice questions from the assigned readings and lesson notes. Once you start the quiz, you will have 35 minutes to complete it. Within the time limit of the quiz, you can save anad re-save

answers. You can move forward and backward between questions until the time limit expires or you submit. In order to be successful on the quiz, it is important that you have done a close reading of the Unit 3 texts and lesson notes. The time on the quiz is tight, which means that you will need to know the information as you will not have time to look it up. Group Theme Project: The group theme project is worth 15% of your final grade. This project allows you to explore one of the topics in the course in greater depth. You will be working on this project with your assigned Discussion group (see Participation). You will choose one of four projects outlined in detail under Assignments in the Content section of the course. You will have a group leader and select one or two days a week on which to work on the project. Non-participation will result in loss of marks. Bonus Assignments: Optional assignments worth up to 4% are posted in the Assignments box at the end of the course content. They are due at the end of Week 11 (worth up to 4%), or worth 2% if submitted at the end of Week 12. Take-home exam: The take-home exam is worth 30% of your mark. You will write two short essays that relate to the themes of the course (you cannot write an essay on the same topic as your Group Project). You will submit the exam in the Dropbox. It is at the end of the first week of exams. Summary of grade allocation: Participation 1. Online Discussions (content is assessed): (4 x 5% each; subtract lowest grade) 15% 2. Concept maps (automatic 5% for completion of all three) 5% Symbol Essay 20% Quiz (on Lessons 6, 7 and 8) 15% Group theme project 15% Take-home exam 30% Note: Students submit written assignments through designated drop boxes through the Dropbox tab located on the home page for RE104 OC. In this format, the assignments will be directed automatically to Turnitin.com. Writing Assessment: The evaluation of your writing skills comprises 10% of the total grade for your essay, group project and take-home exam. These skills include

spelling, grammar, and syntax (sentence and paragraph structure); style of composition; and formal footnote/endnote citations using the Chicago Manual of Style as required for the essays in the Humanities. [Click References for Religion and Culture Students on the departments home page; look on the left sidebar to find a quick link to the Chicago Manual of Style]. Late policy: Notify the instructor prior to the deadline. Written documentation, such as a doctors note, is required for illnesses or other reasons for late submission. Late papers will be subject to a penalty of 5% per day, up to one week following the deadline. After this time, assignments will no longer be accepted. Learning Services The Writing Centre provides individual writing instruction and drop-in hours. To make an appointment for a 50-minute consultation with a writing tutor, contact the office in the Library at Room 213, or by phone at 884-0710, ext. 2220, or contact the Manager, Emmy Misser <emisser@wlu.ca>. See the Writing Centres new Writing Planner tool. See also the Study Skills and Supplemental Instruction Centre at www.wlu.ca/study. The Accessible Learning Office provides information for, and assists students with disabilities and different learning strategies. The Office is committed to assure students equal access and support services for programs, facilities and services in the university community. These disabilities include, but are not limited to: sight, hearing, learning, chronic pain, head injuries, mobility, and psychological/psychiatric. Do not hesitate to consult with them, preferably early in term. The Accessible Learning Office is located in Room 1C11 on the bottom floor of the Arts building (884- 0710, ext. 3086; AccessibleLearning@wlu.ca). You can review their services athttp://waterloo.mylaurier.ca/accessible/info/home.htm>.

Academic misconduct (plagiarism/cheating): The University has an established policy with respect to cheating on assignments and examinations, which the student is required to know. <see: http://info.wlu.ca/~wwwregi/ugcalendar/index.html>. For more information see also: www.wlu.ca/academicintegrity. The Information Technology Services Help Desk, to help you with your computer account, and with Internet access (884-0710, ext. 4357; help@wlu.ca).

Course Schedule

Unit 1--Introduction: Topics include the sacred and the profane (Mircea Eliade), and four fundamental symbols--centre, circle, cross, and square. See J. C. CoopersIllustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols and the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) online at the Library. A link to the OED is also available through the RE104 Class Guide at the Library website.

Week 1 Introduction/course expectations Course pack: 1. Mircea Eliade, The Sacred and the Profane: The Nature of Religion, Chapter 1, Sacred Space and Making the World Sacred, pp. 20-50. 2. Susan Neiman, Evil in Modern Thought: An Alternative History of Philosophy, Preface to the Paperback Edition, pp. xi-xviii; and Introduction, pp. 1-13. 3. J. C. Cooper, Symbolism: The Universal Language, Chapter 1, Symbols and the Archetypal, pp.7-10; and Chapter 4, The Cross and Square, pp. 26-41. Textbook: 4. J. C. Cooper, An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols, Introduction. Videos: 5. Scared Sacred (entire film) Concept map: personal symbols and concepts of evil (a study tool) * Remember, all three concept maps in Weeks 1, 5 and 12 must be completed in order to earn 5% Week 2 Symbols of Evil Symbols: evil, dragon, serpent, fabulous beasts, darkness, light, journey, pilgrimage, weapons, angels, candles Course pack: 1. J. C. Cooper, Symbolism: The Universal Language, Chapter 6, Serpents, Dragons and Monsters, pp. 48-51. Textbook: 2. J. C. Cooper, An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols.

Film: 3. Scared Sacred: #1 Beginning, and #7 New York

4. Introduction to ARTstor Discussion #1: Evil/Dragon/Serpent/Fabulous Beasts (Initial response due by Sunday midnight, end of Week 2)

UNIT 2Environment: Three weeks on symbols of evil related to environmental issues.

Week 3 Environment: food crisis Symbols: earth, water, air and fire; grain, rice, corn Theme: global food crisis Course pack: 1. David Suzuki with Amanda McConnell and Adrienne Mason, The Sacred Balance: Rediscovering Our Place in Nature, "Homo Sapiens: Born of the Earth," pp. 36-49 + notes. 2. Celeste Walker, "Jennifer Clapp of CIGI talks about the current global food crisis" Video: 3. CIGI lecture by Dr. Jennifer Clapp Discussion #1 (continued): Evil/Dragon/Serpent/Fabulous Beasts (Replies to fellow students due by Sunday midnight, end of Week 3) * Work on Symbol Essay (due in Week 4) Week 4 Environment: water crisis Symbols: water, apocalypse Course pack: 1. Maude Barlow and Tony Clarke, Blue Gold: The Battle Against Corporate Theft of the Worlds Water, Chapter 3: Dying of Thirst, pp. 52-76; Chapter 9: The

Standpoint, pp. 207-28 + notes. 2. Joseph Boyden, Prophecies and Power, Macleans, 27 August 2008. 3. Andy Riga, Canadas water crisis escalating, CanWest News Service, Vancouver Sun, 23 February 2008 Video: 4. Scared Sacred: Interlude following #4 Bosnia, and #5 Hiroshima Discussion #2: Hyperconsumption (Initial response due by Sunday midnight, end of Week 4) Symbol essay due: see the course calendar. Week 5 Environment: land crisis Symbols: earth, rock, wind/whirlwind, pilgrimage, balance Course pack: 1. David Suzuki, The Sacred Balance, Chapter 9: Restoring the Balance, pp. 306-30 + notes. 2. John Bemrose, The Depth of the World, VicReport (Summer 2008), pp. 8-15. Video: 3. Scared Sacred: #8 Afghanistan (Post-Taliban era) Concept Map: symbols of evil and the environment (a study tool) * Remember, all three concept maps in Weeks 1, 5 and 12 must be completed in order to earn 5% Discussion #2 (continued): Hyperconsumption (Replies to fellow students due by Sunday midnight, end of Week 5)

UNIT 3Aboriginal Experience of Colonialism: Three weeks on indigenous perspectives, colonialism, and narrative.

Week 6 Aboriginal Experience of Colonialism: EvilA Matter of Perspective Symbols: earth, water, air and fire

Course pack: David T. McNab, ed., Earth, Water, Air and Fire: Studies in Canadian Ethnohistory, Part I Aboriginal Perspectives 1. Chapter 1: Bkejwanong - The Place Where the Waters Divide: A Perspective on Earth, Water, Air and Fire, by Dean M. Jacobs, pp.8-19. 2. Chapter 2: Art and Amerindian Worldviews, by Olive Patricia Dickason, pp.48183. T. Goldie and D.D. Moses, eds., An Anthology of Canadian Native Literature in English 3. Chief Joseph Brant: Letter from Grand River, Dec. 10, 1798, pp. 14-15. 4. Chief Joseph Brant: Thayendanegea, Letter from Joseph Brant to Dr. Samuel Peters, 1803, pp. 481-83 Textbook: 5. Thomas King, The Truth about Stories: A Native Narrative, Chapter I: 'Youll Never Believe What Happened' Is Always a Great Way to Start Video: 6. Scared Sacred: #2 Bhopal, India Discussion #3: Scared Sacred (Initial response due by Sunday midnight, end of Week 6) Week 7 Aboriginal Experience of Colonialism: Native North American Perspectives on Evil Symbols: apple, calumet [sacred pipe], cross in a circle, Four Directions/Four Winds, hero/heroine; onion; trickster: coyote, hare, spider, crow, raven; threshold Course pack: 1. Jordan Paper, Native North American Religious Traditions: Dancing for Life, Chapter 3: Theology, pp.57-78 + notes. Textbook: 2. Thomas King, Chapter II: Youre Not the Indian I Had in Mind, and Chapter III: Let Me Entertain You * Prepare for quiz (on Lessons 6, 7 and 8, coming up in Week 8) Discussion #3 (continued): Scared Sacred (Replies to fellow students due by Sunday midnight, end of Week 7)

Week 8 Aboriginal Experience of Colonialism: The Power of Stories Symbols: circle, earth, feather, fire, heart, lamp, ouroboros, stone, trickster Textbook: 1. Thomas King, Chapter IV: A Million Porcupines Crying in the Dark, and Chapter V: What Is It About Us That You Dont Like? Course pack: 2. Huston Smith, The Worlds Religions: Our Great Wisdom Traditions, Chapter 9: The Primal Religions, pp. 365-83. 3. David T. McNab, Earth, Water, Air and Fire, RetrospectA Meeting Ground of Earth, Water, Air and Fire, pp.325-27. Video: 4. Canadas Public Apology, 11 June 2008 Quiz (on Lessons 6, 7 and 8; see course calendar)

UNIT 4--Genocide: Three weeks on evil and its symbols identified in three 20thcentury genocides: Armenians, Ottoman Turkey, 1916; European Jews, Roma and Sinti, 193545; and Tutsis, Rwanda, 1994 . Week 9 Genocide: The Ordinariness of Extraordinary Evil Symbols: circle; man, woman; black, white; hero, heroine Course pack: 1. James Waller, Becoming Evil: How Ordinary People Commit Genocide and Mass Killing, Chapter 1: The Nature of Extraordinary Human Evil, pp.9-24 + notes. Textbook: Barbara Coloroso, Extraordinary Evil: A Brief History of Genocide 2. Introduction: A Wall in Kigali 3. Chapter 1: Genocide: A Definition 4. Chapter 2: Anatomy of Extraordinary Evil

Video: 5. Scared Sacred: #3 Cambodiathe Killing Fields and landmines; #4 Bosniatwo artists stories * Work on Group Theme project (due in Week 10) Week 10 Genocide: Genocide from the Inside Symbols: scapegoat, mask, monkey, and ape Textbook: Barbara Coloroso, Extraordinary Evil 1. Chapter 3: Genocide: Bullying to the Extreme 2. Chapter 4: Three Characters and a Tragedy 3. Chapter 5: The Bully Circle Video: 4. Scared Sacred: #6 Afghanistan (Taliban era: Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan) Group Theme project due: see course calendar. Week 11 Genocide: Restoring Community Symbol: swastika Textbook: Barbara Coloroso, Extraordinary Evil 1. Chapter 6: Scenes from a Tragedy 2. Chapter 7: Restoring Community Videos: 4. Scared Sacred: Special Features Forgiveness, Justice and Genocide: a panel discussion with Atom Egoyan, director of Ararat, a film about the Armeninan genocide; Hadani Ditmars, international journalist and author of Dancing in the No Fly Zone: A Womans Journey Through Iraq; and Velcrow Ripper, Director of the Scared Sacred Project. Discussion #4: Genocide Shattered Community (Initial response due by Sunday midnight, end of Week 11)

Week 12 Course Wrap-up Symbols: yin-yang; circle and balance Course pack: 1. Susan Neiman, Evil in Modern Thought, Chapter 4: Homeless/Terror: After September 11, pp. 281-88. Videos: 2. Scared Sacred: #9 Israel and Palestine (Bereaved Parents Circle) 3. Special Features: Directors Q & A Course summary notes Concept Map: personal symbols and concepts of evil Discussion #4 (continued): Genocide Shattered Community (Replies to fellow students due by Sunday midnight, end of Week 12) Take-home exam: due at the end of the first week of exams (see course calendar).