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)
- Describe the time, place, event, and/or hosts as well as any people (friends, family, etc.) participating with you on your experience.
- Describe any previous information, expectations, or pre-conceived notions prior to the visit.
- Describe new information acquired through first-hand experience, any changes in perception, etc.
- Close with general impression of the place, event, etc.
- Take a picture that reflects the experience; ie the meal, the ritual, the piece of art, etc.
- Create a title that summarizes your experience.
- 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:
- Visit any mosque: Rama Mercy Clinic, Hoda Center, Islamic Community Center
- Visit any Arabic food establishment
- Attend an Islamic music event
- Have someone teach you have to pray is Islam
Hinduism: To experience Hinduism in your community, consider one of the following activities:
- Visit the Indian Cultural & Education Center or any event at or hosted by the ICEC such as ‘India Fest.’
- Visit a temple, such as the Alachua Hare Krishna Temple: Eco-teaching Farm or Sunday Feast (lunch on SF campus does not qualify)
- Visit the Krishna House – Gainesville: classes or meditation (lunch on UF campus does not qualify)
- Attend any Indian music event
- Attend a celebration or ritual such as a wedding, funeral, etc.
Buddhism: To experience Buddhism in your community, consider one of the following activities:
- Attend a meditation class, such as those offered at Gainesville Karma Thegsom Choling Meditation Center,
- Explore the Anon Buddhist Statue Park
- Visit the Gateless Gate Zen Center