Find an interesting & short topic, please

Assignment 1: Interrogating Religion Through Psychology: Freud, Jung, and Contemporary Perspectives

Length: 3 – 5 pages

Texts: Primary Sources: Freud, The Future of an Illusion; Jung, Religion and Psychology, include Secondary Sources Stevens and Rizzuto to deepen your analysis.

Do not simply summarize Freud or Jung. Focus on analyzing: compare and contrast their theories, evaluate their assumptions, explain their implications, and apply them to contemporary or personal examples.

For example, ask yourself:

• How do these theories explain why we (humans) create religious meaning?
• Where do Freud and Jung align or diverge in understanding belief?
• What are the strengths or limits of their explanations? Instructions:

Introduction with thesis statement: consider: what are you arguing and how will you prove this?

1. Freud: Key theory: religion as illusion, wish-fulfillment, dependence

2. Jung: Key theory: religion as symbolic function, individuation, numinous experience

Include secondary sources to enhance your argument

Include a personal reflection on theorists core values (consider something in your own life that reflects your theorists main ideas)

Conclusion

Citations: 47 from course readings, must include page numbers in your citations

Use your own voice (no need for academic jargon however you will use key terms and formal citations)

Formatting: See details in syllabus: include 3-5 pages, double-spaced, 12-pt Times New Roman, 4 – 7 Chicago style citations, page numbers etc.