Hmm
Okay gotta set up the real goals to be reached at Mizzou...
Sure my concentration is South Asian Religions... but in reality I feel that my masters should be focused on methodology and history of the discipline of religious studies... I am adequately versed in doctrine, history, ritual of South Asian religions particularly Buddhism... but I really am weak on general theory of study and approach to study. I do not mean to say I am weak on research methods... I have a good sense of where to search and how ... I just need to have a firm foundation in my general discipline... religious studies. I was not necessarily required to take methodology courses... in fact there weren't any at VCU. Typically, VCU's religious studies program was centered around courses that dove right into the religions themselves. There was a course on the philosophy of religion and a basic introduction to the study of religion. The latter I took.. but the former I could not because of schedule conflicts. Neither of which were even required. The intro to religion was a subjective "how do YOU feel about religion course." It had its value... it did appear to try to instill tolerance and reveal how diverse the world was in regards to religion and spirituality. Terminology was approached and in that respect the course was of good use. Overall, the course was not as well structured in regards to introducing the STUDY of religion which would have better served the serious students who were there for their majors. It was not an introducation to religious studies but just an introduction to religion: "Hello! Religion is everywhere! Its diverse in its manifestations and complex in its organization!!!"
I really feel that I am doing things backwards. I should have gotten my theory and methodology foundation in undergrad. I certainly established a good foundation for the study of buddhism and eastern philosophy. So with that I am not saying that my undergrad was a waste, that is certainly not the case. It was the foundation in eastern religions that landed me the fellowship and a chance to go further with studying.
haha i just got bored with this.
I will say that I am positively terrified of teaching ... and of doing the TA position. I worry that people will find out that I don't know shiiiit
Sure my concentration is South Asian Religions... but in reality I feel that my masters should be focused on methodology and history of the discipline of religious studies... I am adequately versed in doctrine, history, ritual of South Asian religions particularly Buddhism... but I really am weak on general theory of study and approach to study. I do not mean to say I am weak on research methods... I have a good sense of where to search and how ... I just need to have a firm foundation in my general discipline... religious studies. I was not necessarily required to take methodology courses... in fact there weren't any at VCU. Typically, VCU's religious studies program was centered around courses that dove right into the religions themselves. There was a course on the philosophy of religion and a basic introduction to the study of religion. The latter I took.. but the former I could not because of schedule conflicts. Neither of which were even required. The intro to religion was a subjective "how do YOU feel about religion course." It had its value... it did appear to try to instill tolerance and reveal how diverse the world was in regards to religion and spirituality. Terminology was approached and in that respect the course was of good use. Overall, the course was not as well structured in regards to introducing the STUDY of religion which would have better served the serious students who were there for their majors. It was not an introducation to religious studies but just an introduction to religion: "Hello! Religion is everywhere! Its diverse in its manifestations and complex in its organization!!!"
I really feel that I am doing things backwards. I should have gotten my theory and methodology foundation in undergrad. I certainly established a good foundation for the study of buddhism and eastern philosophy. So with that I am not saying that my undergrad was a waste, that is certainly not the case. It was the foundation in eastern religions that landed me the fellowship and a chance to go further with studying.
haha i just got bored with this.
I will say that I am positively terrified of teaching ... and of doing the TA position. I worry that people will find out that I don't know shiiiit