RELG 3605

I do not recommend this course. It would be better advertised as a course on leadership and how to create a passion for change, but only a fraction of the readings and coursework actually mention religion, violence, or the realistic political steps to reducing religious violence. It is very hypothetical and interpretive, which makes grades and assignments incredibly stressful. You complete numerous reflective assignments, and while most of the course is about your values, interpretive topics on strategy, and vague topics of change, you will have a few very specific research assignments that only utilize only half of the topics covered in class. Half of my time in the class is spent trying to figure out what the actual expectations are and how grades are determined. If you enjoy reflection and speaking about being a confident leader, this is the class for you. If you are here to learn about politics, or religion and religious persecution, there are other classes that might be more focused on that. Honestly, my biggest issue is with how the class is advertised and what you actually learn about. The final project is stressful because it stands in stark contrast to the heavily interpretive topics of class, as it asks you to research an assigned current issue of religious violence in a manner more in line with political or religious courses.

This was probably the most disappointing course I've ever taken at UVA. I was super excited for it at the start of the semester, and was super intrigued by the idea of taking a class with a "Professor of Practice." It was a total letdown. Between a curriculum that doesn't include any discussions about religion (aside from half a single lecture that centered on whether the Branch Davidians were a cult or not) and a professor who made multiple women of color in the class uncomfortable, I truly wish I'd never taken it. It's an easy enough A, but it sucks. You can find your easy A somewhere else.