Introduction
We find ourselves in 2026 living in difficult and uncertain times. This course leads students on a religious quest through several religious traditions with a focus on Creation, Creativity, & ReCreation.
Our focus will be on healing, self-discovery, existential purpose, the value of diversity, the relationship between freedom and diversity, and social/ecological justice. In addition to the philosophical and historical content taught in the lectures, this religious quest also builds critically important skills.
Most importantly, students will learn to have meaningful conversations with other humans using the phenomenological method through a series of small-group podcast conversations, class exercises, and individual discussions.
Primary Learning Goals
- Provide a basic introduction to a small handful of religious traditions and engagement with their primary scriptural texts. It is better to learn a few traditions in more depth than many traditions superficially.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of the phenomenological method of discourse and inquiry, primarily through your small team podcast recordings.
- Be able to articulate the value of human religious diversity.
तेजस्विनावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ॥
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः
Together, let us be protected.
Together, let us be nourished.
Together, let us heroically use this knowledge for the creative benefit of others.
Let our learning be filled with light, joy, and passion. Let there never be any bad thoughts or tensions between us.
Peace (physically). Peace (psychologically). Peace (spiritually).
Course Format
This Religious Quest involves three distinct, integrated learning formats designed to maximize growth, reflection, and peer dialogue:
1. Pre-recorded "Video Book" Lectures & Documentaries
Most course content is delivered through pre-recorded YouTube lectures in a structured playlist. There is no textbook to purchase. Students are expected to devote at least 8 hours each week to watching, taking detailed notes, and reflecting.
Kanopy Documentaries: Several units feature required documentaries on Kanopy (accessed through the Fitchburg State University library). When opening a Kanopy link, you should click the “Sign in with Google” option and then select your official Fitchburg State University account to gain free academic access.
2. Small-Group Podcast Recordings (50%)
You will be placed in small groups of 4-5 students. You will meet virtually five times over the semester to discuss critical prompts using the phenomenological method. Each conversation is video recorded (20-30 minutes) and uploaded to Google Drive. Grades are entirely individual.
3. Individual Meetings (30%) & Final Paper (20%)
Every traveler will meet individually with Dr. Bannon at least twice (10% initial meeting, 20% oral final exam) to build rapport and discuss the material deeper. The semester concludes with a 2-4 page Final Reflection Paper (submitted on Blackboard) reflecting on the takeaways from your journey.
Assessment & Grading
Grades reflect your individual progress, active preparation for conversations, deep listening, and intellectual synthesis.
Grade Distribution
Due Dates & Deadlines
Filter by milestone type to inspect specific due dates throughout the summer term (May 18 – July 7, 2026).
Video Book Playlist & Tracker
Check off completed videos as you progress. Your checked status is stored locally so you can easily trace your reading quest.
Oral Final Exam Flashcards
Your final exam consists of a 10-15 minute oral dialogue with Dr. Bannon. Several questions will be selected from the list below. Click each card to reveal focal theories and study suggestions!
Policies & Requirements
Accommodation Policy
To support access and inclusion, Fitchburg State offers reasonable accommodations to students who have documented disabilities. If you require accommodations, please provide Dr. Bannon with a copy of your Accommodation Agreement as soon as possible so that we can discuss your specific needs.
If you require academic accommodations but do not have an Accommodation Agreement, please contact Disability Services as soon as possible at 978.665.4020 or email DisabilityServices2@fitchburgstate.edu. Disability Services is located in the Academic Support Center on the third floor of the Hammond Building (room 303).
Academic Integrity Policy
Every member of the University community is expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. A student shall not submit work that is falsified or is not the result of the student's own effort. Plagiarism will result in immediate failure of the course.
Late Submissions Policies
This is an intensive course requiring firm deadlines. Any assignment:
| Submitted within 24 hours of due date: | dropped ½ letter grade |
| Submitted within 48 hours of due date: | dropped one letter grade |
| Submitted more than 48 hours of due date: | dropped two letter grades |
Absolutely no assignments will be accepted after 11:59pm on July 5. Failure to submit an assignment will result in a “0” for that assignment.
Incomplete Grades Policy
In accordance with University policy, I will only grant an “Incomplete” if at least 80% of all the work has been completed and submitted, and even then only when a student requests an incomplete and has a conversation with me regarding the specific deadlines and expectations for completing the unfinished work of the course.