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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

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course involves a study of the development of religious attitudes and the psychological factors involved in religious cultures. This course will explore religion from a psychological, not a theological, perspective.

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.

There will be no make-ups for missed exams and there will be no extensions for due dates. Because of the discussion nature of the class, written assignments may be turned in for credit only at the beginning of each class. It would be helpful for discussion to have assignments turned in even if they are late, but no points will be awarded. Credit will not be given for untyped papers. Please do not ask for exceptions.

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:

BIBLIOGRAPHY


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