Course Description and Objectives

This particular section of GEP 397 ("Religion and the State in Western Civilization: From Roman Republic to American Democracy") focuses upon concepts of "theocracy" (defined here as the concept of divine or divinely appointed kingship) in three ancient cultures (Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Roman) and its survivals in American political culture. The course is designed to provide insight into the close and complex relationship between government and organized religion and to assist students in understanding and articulating  the relationship between their religious beliefs and their role as citizens. As a result of this class you will:

1. Become more aware of the relationships between governments and organized religions, ancient and modern
2. Become more aware of the concept of citizenship in Ancient Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Roman culture
3. Better understand the role of religion in the development of American government
4. Better understand the connections between your religious beliefs (or non-belief) and your role as a citizen
5. Become more accomplished in formulating and expressing your viewpoints on public policy matters

Course Texts

• Danny P. Jackson, tr., Gilgamesh (Bolchazy and Carducci, 1997)
• Patrick Allitt, ed., Major Problems in American Religious History (Houghton Mifflin, 1999)
• Other course texts can be found on the online texts page.

Course Policy

Since discussion is essential to the success of the course, consistent class participation is mandatory.. This category includes observations, questions, sidetracks, complaints, tangents, polite arguments with classmates (or with the instructor), and any other verbal communication that contributes to class discussion. Absences from class will necessarily take away from the class participation score.  Letter grades will be assigned as follows:

90-100%= A; 80-89%= B; 70-79%= C; 60-69%= D; 59%-below= F

In the event of borderline grades, the instructor may (but is not obliged to) take into consideration criteria such as superior class participation or regular attendance.

Students with questions about the evaluation of their work should consult the instructor immediately.

Course Grading

Class participation	20%	Assigned Essays	20%
Web Board participation	10%	Final presentation	20%
Midterm examination	10%	Final examination	20%

Nondiscrimination Policy:

SMSU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, and maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. At all times, it is your right to address inquiries or concerns about possible discrimination to Jana Long, Equal Opportunity Officer, Office of Human Resources, Carrington 128, 417) 836-4252. Concerns about discrimination can also be brought directly to your instructor's attention, and/or to the attention of your instructor's Department Head.

Disability Accomodation Policy:

To request academic accommodations for a disability, contact Katheryne Staeger-Wilson, Disability Services (http://www.smsu.edu/disability), Plaster Student Union, Suite 405, (417) 836-4192 or (417) 836-6792 (TTY). Students are required to provide documentation of disability to Disability Services prior to receiving accommodations. Disability Services refers some types of accommodation requests to the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, which also provides diagnostic testing for learning and psychological disabilities. (A fee is charged for testing.) For information about testing, contact Dr. Steven Capps, Learning Diagnostic Clinic (417)836-4787; http://www.smsu.edu/contrib/ldc/.

Academic Dishonesty Policy:

All members of the University community share the responsibility and authority to challenge and make known acts of apparent academic dishonesty. Any student detected participating in any form of academic dishonesty in this course will be subject to sanctions as described in the Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures, also available at the Reserves Desk in Meyer Library, and in abbreviated form in the SMSU Undergraduate Catalog). It is your responsibility to read and fully understand SMSU's Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures.

Dropping Classes at SMSU:

It is your responsibility to understand SMSU's procedure for dropping a class. If you stop attending this or any other class but do not follow proper procedure for dropping the class, you will receive a failing grade and will also be financially obligated to pay for the class. To drop a class anytime after the first week of classes, you must complete and turn in a drop slip at an authorized registration center (see 2001/2002 SMSU Undergraduate Catalog, p. 49-50; http://www.smsu.edu/recreg/chnsched.html). You do not need to obtain any signatures on the drop slip. The drop slip does not need to be signed by your instructor, your advisor, or a department head. If you wish to withdraw from the University (i.e., drop all your classes), contact the Registration Center, Carrington 320.

Syllabus

Jun	10	Statement of Community Principles; What Is Public Affairs?
	11	Religion and Politics in Ancient Mesopotamia (lecture)
	12	Gilgamesh
	13	Gilgamesh
Jun	17	Enuma Elish (text) (background) (background)
	18	Religion and Politics in Ancient Egypt (lecture); Creation Myths (readings)
	19	Osiris and Isis (readings); Contest of Horus and Seth (readings)
	20	Birth of Hatshepsut (readings); Birth of Amenhotep III (readings)
Jun	24	Akhenaton and "Monotheism" (readings)
	25	History of the SMSU Public Affairs Mission (readings)
	26	Film: O Brother, Where Art Thou?
	27	Film: O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Jul	01	Discussion of O Brother, Where Art Thou?
	02	Roman Family Values (lecture) (readings)
	03	Politics and the State Religion in Rome (readings)
	04	Independence Day Holiday
Jul	08	Visit from President Keiser
	09	Romans and Christians (readings)
	10	Film: I, Claudius: Zeus, By Jove
	11	Film: I, Claudius: Hail Who?
Jul	15	Discussion of I, Claudius and Take Home Midterms
	16	Basic American Political Documents (Declaration of Independence) (Gettysburg Address)
	17	Introduction to the Thirteen Colonies (readings)
	18	Religious Freedom (readings)
Jul	22	Religion and Revolution  (readings)
	23	Religion and Constitution  (readings)
	24	Religion and Politics in America Today (discussion)
	25	Class Presentations
Jul	29	Class Presentations
	30	Class Presentations
	31	Review
Aug	1	Final Exam