Synopses & Reviews
Teaching Undergraduate Research in Religious Studies offers an introduction to the philosophy and practice of Undergraduate Research in Religious Studies and takes up several significant ongoing questions related to it. This volume emerges from sustained conversations about the pedagogy of Undergraduate Research by a group of teacher-scholars in the discipline, and it seeks to extend those conversations. For those new to Undergraduate Research, this book provides an overview of fundamental issues and pedagogical questions and practical models for application in the classroom. For seasoned mentors, it acts as a dialogue partner on emerging issues and offers insight into pertinent questions in the field based on the experience of recognized experts. Individual chapters focus on select theoretical and practical topics including the nature of collaboration between faculty and students, what it means for undergraduate students to make an "original contribution" in their research, how to identify and shape a research project that is appropriate and manageable, the types of institutional and professional support systems needed to adequately support and reward faculty who participate in this kind of pedagogy, and procedures for adequate and appropriate assessment. Student perspectives highlight the importance of Undergraduate Research to student learning.
Review
"This book argues well and gives good pedagogical advice for extended faculty-student collaboration in religious studies research just as it is carried on in the sciences. Drawing on the experience of faculty dedicated to undergraduate education, the book makes a compelling case that teaching does not have to compete with research. Student reflections and a concluding student essay in the book demonstrate the truth of the axiom that 'the proof of the pudding is in the eating." --Anthony J. Tambasco, Professor of Theology and Associate Dean of Graduate Liberal Studies, Georgetown University
"Out of a Wabash Center-sponsored working group comes a very useful book that maps the terrain of research in religious studies for undergraduate scholars and their professors. From personal to institutional to relational concerns, the insights from these skilled teachers and their competent students provide a needed resource for reforming our classroom practices. This book engages the reader in the crucial issues of working with undergraduates in their research: the possibilities of originality, new questions, transformation, empowerment, and surprise." --Tina Pippin, Professor and Chair of Religious Studies, Agnes Scott College
"Teaching Undergraduate Research in Religious Studies is well grounded in both the relevant SoTL literature and personal experiences in a variety of teaching contexts. It provides thought provoking reflections about the pedagogical possibilities of Undergraduate Research in Religious Studies and, more broadly, in the Humanities. The inclusion of specific examples and of the voices of student researchers themselves makes this a particularly useful volume." --Eugene V. Gallagher, Rosemary Park Professor of Religious Studies, Connecticut College
About the Author
Bernadette McNary-Zak is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Rhodes College.
Rebecca Todd Peters is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Elon University.
Table of Contents
Chapter One: Identifying and Setting Parameters
Bernadette McNary-Zak and Rebecca Todd Peters
Section One: Defining Undergraduate Research in Religious Studies
Chapter Two: Contributing to the Discipline
Rebecca Todd Peters and Bernadette McNary-Zak
Chapter Three: Serving as Mentors and Collaborators
Lynn Huber and John Lanci
Chapter Four: Helping Undergraduates Think About Method
Robin Rinehart
Section Two: Modeling Undergraduate Research in Religious Studies
Chapter Five: Exploring Archival Material
Paul Myhre
Chapter Six: Reading Religion and Culture
Carolyn M. Jones
Chapter Seven: Sending Students Into the Field
Jeffrey M. Brackett
Chapter Eight: Historically Speaking
David Ratke
Chapter Nine: Working with Texts
Lynn Huber and Robin Rinehart
Section Three: Improving Quality in Undergraduate Research in Religious Studies
Chapter Ten: Training the Undergraduate Scholar
Nadia Lahutsky
Chapter Eleven: Promoting Institutional Support
Mark Gstohl
Chapter Twelve: Equipping a Student with Experience, Skills, and Self-Reliance
Ann Marie Chilton
Appendix: Sample Forms
Bibliography