日本語 English
| 開講年度/ Academic YearAcademic Year |
20262026 |
| 科目設置学部/ CollegeCollege |
全学共通科目・全学共通カリキュラム（総合系）/University-wide Liberal Arts Courses (Comprehensive Courses)University-wide Liberal Arts Courses (Comprehensive Courses) |
| 科目コード等/ Course CodeCourse Code |
FD071/FD071FD071 |
| テーマ・サブタイトル等/ Theme・SubtitleTheme・Subtitle |
Seminar on Religion, Ritual, and Charismatic Guru Psychology |
| 授業形態/ Class FormatClass Format |
対面（全回対面）/Face to face (all classes are face-to-face)Face to face (all classes are face-to-face) |
| 授業形態（補足事項）/ Class Format (Supplementary Items)Class Format (Supplementary Items) |
|
| 授業形式/ Class StyleCampus |
演習・ゼミ/SeminarSeminar |
| 校地/ CampusCampus |
新座/NiizaNiiza |
| 学期/ SemesterSemester |
春学期/Spring SemesterSpring Semester |
| 曜日時限・教室/ DayPeriod・RoomDayPeriod・Room |
木1/Thu.1 Thu.1 ログインして教室を表示する（Log in to view the classrooms.） |
| 単位/ CreditsCredits |
22 |
| 科目ナンバリング/ Course NumberCourse Number |
CMP2441 |
| 使用言語/ LanguageLanguage |
英語/EnglishEnglish |
| 履修登録方法/ Class Registration MethodClass Registration Method |
抽選他/Exceptional Lottery RegistrationExceptional Lottery Registration（定員：20人/ Capacity：20） |
| 配当年次/ Assigned YearAssigned Year |
配当年次は開講学部のR Guideに掲載している科目表で確認してください。配当年次は開講学部のR Guideに掲載している科目表で確認してください。 |
| 先修規定/ Prerequisite RegulationsPrerequisite Regulations |
|
| 他学部履修可否/ Acceptance of Other CollegesAcceptance of Other Colleges |
|
| 履修中止可否/ Course CancellationCourse Cancellation |
〇（履修中止可/ Eligible for cancellation） |
| オンライン授業60単位制限対象科目/ Online Classes Subject to 60-Credit Upper LimitOnline Classes Subject to 60-Credit Upper Limit |
|
| 学位授与方針との関連/ Relationship with Degree PolicyRelationship with Degree Policy |
各授業科目は、学部・研究科の定める学位授与方針（DP）や教育課程編成の方針（CP）に基づき、カリキュラム上に配置されています。詳細はカリキュラム・マップで確認することができます。 https://www.rikkyo.ac.jp/about/disclosure/educational_policy/qo9edr0000006ur7-att/zengakukyoutu_sougou.pdf |
| 備考/ NotesNotes |
The objectives of this seminar are to:
- Provide an introduction to contemporary research on religion, ritual, and charismatic leadership, with particular attention to cognitive psychology, cultural evolution, and social psychology.
- Develop students’ ability to critically evaluate empirical research, including classic studies, replications, and ongoing debates within the field.
- Foster an understanding of contested theories—such as minimally counterintuitive concepts, religious priming, and Big Gods hypotheses—by examining both supporting evidence and major criticisms.
- Build confidence in leading and participating in structured academic discussion, including student-led analysis of research papers and theoretical debates.
- Enhance skills in synthesising research across studies, forming reasoned arguments, and communicating ideas clearly in spoken and written English.
- Encourage appreciation of interdisciplinary approaches by integrating perspectives from psychology, anthropology, and related disciplines.
This seminar explores modern research on religion, ritual, and charismatic gurus, with a particular focus on evolutionary and cognitive perspectives. While many in Japan and other societies do not follow a specific religion, the majority of people globally believe in gods or belong to religious groups. Rituals, a universal feature of human culture, play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion and cultural identity. This course examines religion and ritual as cross-culturally recurrent phenomena and explores the psychological and social effects of religious belief, ritual participation, and their implications in contemporary society.
A key feature of the course is the examination of the growing appeal of charismatic leaders, often referred to as "gurus," and their influence on followers. We also explore the psychological underpinnings of conspiracy theories, which have become increasingly prevalent in the modern era. By investigating these topics, students will gain insights into how charismatic individuals and belief systems mobilize people, foster community, and shape social behavior.
The seminar begins with introductory lectures aimed at developing foundational research skills. These sessions establish a strong base for the subsequent detailed study of religion, ritual, and belief systems. As the course progresses, students will engage with key studies, combining theoretical exploration with practical analysis. Over a two-week cycle, we will focus on a significant research study, critically discussing its strengths and weaknesses in the first week. In the second week, we will examine follow-up studies or related research through group discussions and reaction papers, encouraging students to build connections across studies and critically evaluate the literature.
Students are required to deliver a 15-20 minute presentation on a selected topic, showcasing their ability to analyze research and communicate findings effectively. Additionally, short reaction papers will be assigned for selected weeks to deepen engagement with the material. As a culmination of the seminar, students will submit a final report on a topic of their choosing, demonstrating their ability to integrate course concepts and critically engage with research. Classes are structured to combine lectures and group discussions, fostering both independent critical thinking and collaborative learning.
The course is conducted in English, with materials and discussions structured to support varying levels of language proficiency. By the end of the seminar, students will have developed an understanding of major theories and debates in the study of religion, ritual, and charismatic leadership, including contested research on minimally counterintuitive concepts, religious priming, and social complexity. Through a combination of instructor guidance and student-led discussion, students will strengthen their ability to critically evaluate research, engage with empirical debates, and communicate ideas clearly in both spoken and written forms.
| 1 | Introduction to the Course and Research Methods Guidance |
| 2 | The Replication Crisis, Open Science & Methodological Reform |
| 3 | What is Religion? Competing Theories and Frameworks |
| 4 | Cognitive Theories of Religion & Minimally Counterintuitive Concepts |
| 5 | Student-Led Discussion: MCI — Evidence, Limits, Alternatives |
| 6 | Big Gods, Supernatural Punishment & Social Complexity |
| 7 | Student-Led Discussion: Big Gods vs Supernatural Punishmenbt |
| 8 | Religious Priming Studies: Classic Findings & Critiques |
| 9 | Student-Led Discussion: Examination of Classic Papers |
| 10 | Religious Extremism & Radicalisation |
| 11 | Charismatic Leadership & Guru Psychology |
| 12 | Student-Led Discussion: Charismatic Movements, Extremism, & Conspiratorial Ideation |
| 13 | Ritual, Synchrony, and Social Cohesion |
| 14 | Final Presentations & Course Review |
板書 /Writing on the Board
スライド（パワーポイント等）の使用 /Slides (PowerPoint, etc.)
上記以外の視聴覚教材の使用 /Audiovisual Materials Other than Those Listed Above
個人発表 /Individual Presentations
グループ発表 /Group Presentations
ディスカッション・ディベート /Discussion/Debate
実技・実習・実験 /Practicum/Experiments/Practical Training
学内の教室外施設の利用 /Use of On-Campus Facilities Outside the Classroom
校外実習・フィールドワーク /Field Work
上記いずれも用いない予定 /None of the above
Some independent reading of English materials is required and completion of reaction papers.
| 種類 (Kind) | 割合 (%) | 基準 (Criteria) |
|---|---|---|
| 平常点 (In-class Points) | 100 |
Participation in class discussion(25%) Final Presentation(20%) Reaction Papers(25%) Final Report(30%) |
| 備考 (Notes) | ||
| その他 (Others) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| None |
| その他 (Others) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading material will be distributed in class. 読み物はクラスで提供されます。 |
Class content will be adjusted according to the number of students and their specific abilities/needs.
具体的な授業の進め方は，履修者の数やニーズに合わせて調整していきます。
・F科目上級（外国語による総合系科目）
・他に特別外国人学生が履修
・この授業は英語で実施する
・履修者はTOEIC®L&R 700点相当以上の英語力を有していることを前提に授業を実施する
・多彩な学び科目
本演習の目標は以下のとおりである。
- 宗教、儀礼、カリスマ的リーダーシップに関する現代的研究について、認知心理学、文化進化論、社会心理学の視点を中心に理解を深めること。
- 古典的研究、再現研究、近年の議論を含め、実証研究を批判的に評価する力を養うこと。
- ミニマル・カウンターインテュイティブ概念、宗教的プライミング、ビッグ・ゴッズ仮説などの論争的理論について、支持証拠と批判の双方を検討すること。
- 研究論文や理論的議論について、学生主導の分析やディスカッションを通じて、主体的に議論に参加する力を育成すること。
- 複数の研究を統合し、論理的な主張を構築し、英語で明確に表現する能力を高めること。
- 心理学と人類学を中心とした学際的視点の重要性を理解すること。
The objectives of this seminar are to:
- Provide an introduction to contemporary research on religion, ritual, and charismatic leadership, with particular attention to cognitive psychology, cultural evolution, and social psychology.
- Develop students’ ability to critically evaluate empirical research, including classic studies, replications, and ongoing debates within the field.
- Foster an understanding of contested theories—such as minimally counterintuitive concepts, religious priming, and Big Gods hypotheses—by examining both supporting evidence and major criticisms.
- Build confidence in leading and participating in structured academic discussion, including student-led analysis of research papers and theoretical debates.
- Enhance skills in synthesising research across studies, forming reasoned arguments, and communicating ideas clearly in spoken and written English.
- Encourage appreciation of interdisciplinary approaches by integrating perspectives from psychology, anthropology, and related disciplines.
本授業は英語で実施し、履修者の英語力の差に配慮しながら教材およびディスカッションを行う。授業を通じて、宗教、儀礼、カリスマ的リーダーシップに関する主要な理論や議論について理解を深め、ミニマル・カウンターインテュイティブ概念、宗教的プライミング、社会的複雑性をめぐる研究上の論争について検討する。教員による指導と学生主導のディスカッションを通じて、研究を批判的に評価する力を養い、英語による口頭および文章での表現力を高めることを目指す。
This seminar explores modern research on religion, ritual, and charismatic gurus, with a particular focus on evolutionary and cognitive perspectives. While many in Japan and other societies do not follow a specific religion, the majority of people globally believe in gods or belong to religious groups. Rituals, a universal feature of human culture, play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion and cultural identity. This course examines religion and ritual as cross-culturally recurrent phenomena and explores the psychological and social effects of religious belief, ritual participation, and their implications in contemporary society.
A key feature of the course is the examination of the growing appeal of charismatic leaders, often referred to as "gurus," and their influence on followers. We also explore the psychological underpinnings of conspiracy theories, which have become increasingly prevalent in the modern era. By investigating these topics, students will gain insights into how charismatic individuals and belief systems mobilize people, foster community, and shape social behavior.
The seminar begins with introductory lectures aimed at developing foundational research skills. These sessions establish a strong base for the subsequent detailed study of religion, ritual, and belief systems. As the course progresses, students will engage with key studies, combining theoretical exploration with practical analysis. Over a two-week cycle, we will focus on a significant research study, critically discussing its strengths and weaknesses in the first week. In the second week, we will examine follow-up studies or related research through group discussions and reaction papers, encouraging students to build connections across studies and critically evaluate the literature.
Students are required to deliver a 15-20 minute presentation on a selected topic, showcasing their ability to analyze research and communicate findings effectively. Additionally, short reaction papers will be assigned for selected weeks to deepen engagement with the material. As a culmination of the seminar, students will submit a final report on a topic of their choosing, demonstrating their ability to integrate course concepts and critically engage with research. Classes are structured to combine lectures and group discussions, fostering both independent critical thinking and collaborative learning.
The course is conducted in English, with materials and discussions structured to support varying levels of language proficiency. By the end of the seminar, students will have developed an understanding of major theories and debates in the study of religion, ritual, and charismatic leadership, including contested research on minimally counterintuitive concepts, religious priming, and social complexity. Through a combination of instructor guidance and student-led discussion, students will strengthen their ability to critically evaluate research, engage with empirical debates, and communicate ideas clearly in both spoken and written forms.
| 1 | Introduction to the Course and Research Methods Guidance |
| 2 | The Replication Crisis, Open Science & Methodological Reform |
| 3 | What is Religion? Competing Theories and Frameworks |
| 4 | Cognitive Theories of Religion & Minimally Counterintuitive Concepts |
| 5 | Student-Led Discussion: MCI — Evidence, Limits, Alternatives |
| 6 | Big Gods, Supernatural Punishment & Social Complexity |
| 7 | Student-Led Discussion: Big Gods vs Supernatural Punishmenbt |
| 8 | Religious Priming Studies: Classic Findings & Critiques |
| 9 | Student-Led Discussion: Examination of Classic Papers |
| 10 | Religious Extremism & Radicalisation |
| 11 | Charismatic Leadership & Guru Psychology |
| 12 | Student-Led Discussion: Charismatic Movements, Extremism, & Conspiratorial Ideation |
| 13 | Ritual, Synchrony, and Social Cohesion |
| 14 | Final Presentations & Course Review |
板書 /Writing on the Board
スライド（パワーポイント等）の使用 /Slides (PowerPoint, etc.)
上記以外の視聴覚教材の使用 /Audiovisual Materials Other than Those Listed Above
個人発表 /Individual Presentations
グループ発表 /Group Presentations
ディスカッション・ディベート /Discussion/Debate
実技・実習・実験 /Practicum/Experiments/Practical Training
学内の教室外施設の利用 /Use of On-Campus Facilities Outside the Classroom
校外実習・フィールドワーク /Field Work
上記いずれも用いない予定 /None of the above
Some independent reading of English materials is required and completion of reaction papers.
| 種類 (Kind) | 割合 (%) | 基準 (Criteria) |
|---|---|---|
| 平常点 (In-class Points) | 100 |
Participation in class discussion(25%) Final Presentation(20%) Reaction Papers(25%) Final Report(30%) |
| 備考 (Notes) | ||
| その他 (Others) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| None |
| その他 (Others) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading material will be distributed in class. 読み物はクラスで提供されます。 |
Class content will be adjusted according to the number of students and their specific abilities/needs.
具体的な授業の進め方は，履修者の数やニーズに合わせて調整していきます。
・F科目上級（外国語による総合系科目）
・他に特別外国人学生が履修
・この授業は英語で実施する
・履修者はTOEIC®L&R 700点相当以上の英語力を有していることを前提に授業を実施する
・多彩な学び科目