Empathy:  Psychological and Ethical Dimensions

Project Description:  A study of the psychological and ethical literature on empathy; its meaning, history of the concepts, and different psychological and philosophical understandings of its role in moral decision making.

Student Roles/Responsibilities:  Library research, writing brief summaries and comparisons.

Minimum Qualifications:  Course work in either psychology or philosophical or religious ethics.

Sponsor:  Professor Ernest Wallwork, 510 H.L.; x3861; (202) 244-7919; e-mail: eewallwo@syr.edu

 

Iconic Books

Project Description: This on-going project by Prof. Jim Watts and religion graduate student, Dori Parmenter, investigates the use of books in ritual, art and public display. The goal is to collect examples of such use from diverse sources, and analyze their role in religion and culture. The project should result in one or more books presenting these materials and their significance to a wider public.

Student Involvement: Students can make valuable contributions to this research project by collecting examples in a systematic way through library research and/or field explorations. The material might include images of art and of ritual practice, written descriptions of the use of iconic books, and academic deiscussions. The student's responsibilities would include collectiona and organization of materials into a usable database.

Minimum Requirements: Senior or junior satnding, major or minor in Religion, Religion & Society, or Judaic Studies.

Educational Benefit: Students will gain practice in making research decisions about the kinds of materials to study, the sources in which to look for them, and the organization and documentation of their discoveries, all essential skills for research in any field.

Sponsor: Professor James Watts, 501 H.L.; x5713; e-mail: jwwatts@mailbox.syr.edu