LibGuides: Art Museum Faculty Resource Guide: Religion

Exploring Religion Sample Assignment by Brother Joseph Dougherty, FSC

From the Exploring Religion course description -

"A study of religion that introduces students to religious symbols and rituals, as well as ideas about God and gods, salvation, death, evil, human suffering, and myths. This course also explores how religion affects social values, ethics, economics, and politics, as well as the positive impact that religions can exert to encourage people to work for justice and the common good."

A Sample Art Museum Visit Exercise (Download)

1. Goals
	a. familiarity with the La Salle's greatest non-personnel asset
	b. practical exercise in focused meditation
		i. not religious, but aesthetic
			(1) only Western religions make such a distinction
			(2) processes are quite similar
	c. meditate and savor and learn about one work
		i. use local resources
	d. complete and share viewing guide

II. Process
	a. introductions
		i. Br Joe and Dr Vendelin
		i. not religious, but aesthetic
	b. chose partners
	c. browse the gallery
	d. focus on one painting or sculpture
		i. work individually or in pairs
		ii. no repeats from previous courses
		i. study the painting by viewing guide
			(1) focus on relax and enjoy
		iv. no restrictions to religious themes/subjects
			(1) all beauty is sacred

III. Coaching
	a. share "your" artwork with a separate team
		i. review orally your teams viewing guide
		ii. converse to improve both your
			(1) perceptions and the
	b. thank your partner and your buddies
	c. submit viewing guides to teacher

Previous Art Museum Presentations for Religion Classes

Curators presented classes on religious symbolism in art.
Curators presented classes on themes in religious art.