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Discussing the role of field visits in understanding religions in Wolverhampton and the potential benefits and pitfalls. Exploring faith guides and iPod tours in enhancing experiential learning. Examination of insider-outsider perspectives and shared understanding challenges.
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Courting controversy: Strategies for students to get more out of field visits: faith guides and iPods. Religions in Wolverhampton Deirdre Burke University of Wolverhampton
Religions in Wolverhampton Controversial? Emic/ etic “As scarcely needs reiterating, the relationship between “insider” and “outsider” perspectives has been one of the most thorny topics in the academic teaching of religion. As a result, students were asked several questions about how they would seek to explain their faith to others, and what impressions non-adherents might have of their faith.” Jones & Tetlow article to be published in Interreligious Dialogue.
Religions in Wolverhampton Field visits Local Religious communities Faith Guides iPod
Religions in Wolverhampton iPod Tour
Religions in Wolverhampton Role of field visits contextualise theoretical study by exploring places of worship. an experiential encounter with religion through a synchronic and diachronic study of religious communities (Grimmitt, 2000) show reality of lived experiences which can be accessed through ‘ethnographic and personal accounts of religious life.’ (Jackson, 1997) What do you think are the benefits and pitfalls of field visits to places of worship? Discuss with your neighbour and note down three of each.
Religions in Wolverhampton Pitfalls of field visits “In the field, religions are messy, paradoxical and chaotic, and they feed on the irrational. Indeed, it could be argued that fieldwork is diametrically opposite to the scholar’s rational process of ordering a faith tradition into neat packages of history, doctrine and practices.” (Chryssides and Geaves 2007: 241) ‘field visits can become moments of hiatus from the course, rather than an expression of it.” (Carlson in Chryssides and Geaves, 2007, p. 249)
Religions in Wolverhampton Field visits
Religions in Wolverhampton Pitfalls Lacking shared understanding of the purpose of visits Spokespeople not being able to provide depth required No link between classroom study and the field visit. 4. Students are passive
Example of detail The stone pulpit This octagonal stone pulpit is considered by church historians to be the most outstanding feature in this church. Cox (1915) states that it was thought to have been built in 1475, the same date as the tower. Cox also states that the ancient twelve step stone staircase makes this pulpit unique in England. This is the only remaining stone staircase left, most were destroyed in medieval times when replaced by the more fashionable This particular pulpit would have originally been painted in colours and in guilt and must have been a memorable sight. The elaborate carvings, including flowers, leaves and fruit and the Swinnerton coat of arms can be seen on the north side. Note there were originally two pulpits, one each side of the nave.
Example of detail Who was Dr Ambedkar? 12 13 11 14 Start 10 3 1 2 9 Buddha Vihara Wolverhampton 4 3/5 8 6 7 Clare Walker
Religions in Wolverhampton Faith Guides “One particular challenge was to improve the quality of visits made to places of worship by school parties, interfaith groups and others: personal experience, conversations with education advisers and organizers of interfaith tours confirmed that whilst the reception given by some places of worship could be informative and enthusiastic, others were disorganized and confusing, with little thought given to the level of prior knowledge of visitors.” Jones & Tetlow
Religions in Wolverhampton Faith Guides to improve the quality of visits made to places of worship to help participants grow in confidence to offer tours (guiding skills+ faith knowledge) challenges for participants presenting their faith to others (boundaries, conflicts) conflict between Religious Studies methodology/ Tour Guiding Essence/ Similarity
Religions in Wolverhampton Problems identified by guides: Visitors lack of knowledge Confusion (All South Asian the same) Identification Muslim- violence, Christian fuddy duddy! Tendency to focus on outward practices and miss social/ ethical imperatives Buddhist: “it’s very difficult to get over Buddhist concepts, particularly to people of Abrahamic faiths… [whilst] the problem with people of other Dharmic faiths is that they tend to assume that we’re really similar.”
Religions in Wolverhampton Faith Guides: Syllabus Knowledge and understanding of own faith: a. Origins and key periods of development b. Main beliefs and practices c. Main traditions within faith d. Key scripture and methods of interpretation e. Features of building and community activities f. Contemporary issues and challenges Understanding of other faith traditions a. Historical overview of faiths b. Local manifestations of faiths c. Theories of beliefs and practices d. Ways of approaching scripture e. Main strands within major traditions f. Issues of conflict and dialogue between faiths Guiding skills a. Presentation skills: prompts and artifacts b. Linking site to interests of participants c. Planning, resource and time management d. Developing communication skills e. Risk assessment, health and safety f. Sensitive issues and difficult questions
Religions in Wolverhampton Faith Guides will be able to
