日本語

Course Code etc
Academic Year 2025
College University-wide Liberal Arts Courses (Comprehensive Courses)
Course Code FH617
Theme・Subtitle Seminar on Religion, Ritual, and Charismatic Guru Psychology
Class Format Face to face (all classes are face-to-face)
Class Format (Supplementary Items)
Campus Seminar
Campus Niiza
Semester Spring Semester
DayPeriod・Room Tue.2
ログインして教室を表示する(Log in to view the classrooms.)
Credits 2
Course Number -------
Language English
Class Registration Method Exceptional Lottery Registration(定員:20人/ Capacity:20)
Assigned 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。
Prerequisite Regulations
Acceptance of Other Colleges
Course Cancellation 〇(履修中止可/ Eligible for cancellation)
Online Classes Subject to 60-Credit Upper Limit
Relationship 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。
Notes

【Course Objectives】

The goal of this seminar is to:

- Provide an introduction to research on religion, ritual, and charismatic leaders, with a focus on cognitive psychology and cultural evolution.
- Develop skills in critically evaluating research, comparing theoretical approaches, and interpreting data from both quantitative and qualitative studies.
- Build confidence in discussing research, forming reasoned opinions, and communicating ideas clearly in both written and spoken formats.
- Foster an appreciation for interdisciplinary perspectives by integrating insights from psychology, anthropology, and related fields.
- Introduce ongoing debates and emerging methodological approaches in the study of belief systems and social behavior.

【Course Contents】

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 tailored to accommodate varying levels of language proficiency. By the end of the seminar, students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of key theories in religion and ritual, developed an appreciation for the role of charismatic figures and conspiracy theories in shaping social dynamics, and enhanced their skills in critical research analysis and effective communication.

Japanese Items

【授業計画 / Course Schedule】

1 Introduction to the Course and Research Methods Guidance
2 Data Analysis, The Replication Crisis and Advances in Social Science
3 What is Religion? Theories and Frameworks
4 What is Religion? Theories and Frameworks
5 Understanding Minimally Counterintuitive Concepts
6 Big Gods and the Role of Supernatural Punishment
7 The Psychology of Religious Extremism
8 Charismatic Leadership and the Psychology of Gurus
9 Analyzing Research Paper 1
10 Analyzing Research Paper 2
11 Follow-Up Discussion on Paper 2 & Related Research
12 Analyzing Research Paper 3
13 Follow-Up Discussion on Paper 3 & Related Research
14 Final Presentations and Course Reflections

【活用される授業方法 / Teaching Methods Used】

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

【授業時間外(予習・復習等)の学修 / Study Required Outside of Class】

Some independent reading of English materials is required and completion of reaction papers.

【成績評価方法・基準 / Evaluation】

種類 (Kind)割合 (%)基準 (Criteria)
平常点 (In-class Points)100 Participation in class discussion(10%)
Final Presentation(20%)
Reaction Papers(40%)
Final Report(30%)
備考 (Notes)

【テキスト / Textbooks】

その他 (Others)
None

【参考文献 / Readings】

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。

【履修にあたって求められる能力 / Abilities Required to Take the Course】

【学生が準備すべき機器等 / Equipment, etc., that Students Should Prepare】

【その他 / Others】

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。

【注意事項 / Notice】

・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
・2012~2015年度1年次入学者対象科目 
・立教B科目