Experiential Activities

Experiential activities outside of the class are designed to create new experiences that help students apply the terms and concepts introduced in this course to real-world religious phenomena today. Students must complete at least three designated experiential activities (listed below) in the semester; any additional activities can be used as ‘extra credit.’ Students cannot use their personal place of regular worship as an experiential activity, yet students are encouraged to share their place of worship with classmates, and the process of sharing one’s religion can be considered a ‘new experience’ of seeing one’s own religion through the eyes of another, and that qualifies as an experiential activity. Students interested in sharing their place of worship are encouraged to make the opportunity available to all classmates and provide all details to the instructor for inclusion in the course.

If you have recommendations to add to this list, feel free to send an email with the details.

Instructions: (min 500 words)

  1. Describe the time, place, event, and/or hosts as well as any people (friends, family, etc.) participating with you on your experience.
  2. Describe any previous information, expectations, or pre-conceived notions prior to the visit.
  3. Describe new information acquired through first-hand experience, any changes in perception, etc.
  4. Close with general impression of the place, event, etc.
  5. Take a picture that reflects the experience; ie the meal, the ritual, the piece of art, etc.
  6. Create a title that summarizes your experience.
  7. Post the text and image to Canvas in discussion or on social media (provide a publicly viewable link or screenshot in Canvas.)

Judaism: To experience Judaism in your community, consider one of the following activities:

  • Visit any temple or synagogue
  • Attend any celebration or ritual such as a wedding, Seder, Bat/Bar Mitzvah, etc.
  • Visit a Jewish restaurant or cafe
  • Attend a Jewish music event

Christianity: To experience Christianity in your community, consider one of the following activities:

  • Visit any church
  • Attend any celebration or ritual such as a wedding, holiday, funeral etc.
  • Attend a bible-study session
  • Attend a Christian music event (rock, gospel, etc.)

Islam: To experience Islam in your community, consider one of the following activities:

Hinduism: To experience Hinduism in your community, consider one of the following activities:

Buddhism: To experience Buddhism in your community, consider one of the following activities: