1. Nature of the Course
This course is designed to introduce the student to the wide variety of religions in our world as well as to provide them with the basic methods for the scholarly study of world religions. As a part of this study, particular emphasis will be laid upon the history, theology/doctrine, and rituals of each tradition as a way of directing our inquiry and understanding these differing religions. Because of the great variety of traditions, we will limit our focus mainly to the following five areas: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Other religious traditions will be explored as class time permits. Every attempt will be made to present each religion as a living, vital, and active force in our world today, with specific emphasis being laid upon how each religious tradition is manifested in our immediate geographical region.
As the course progresses, we will from time to time look at different religions comparatively. This is not done as a means of evaluating good or bad and correct from incorrect, but rather to highlight differences and similarities between different religious groups. Students will be expected to individually interact with a religious tradition other than their own. Students will also have the opportunity to think critically about their own tradition as a part of this course.
In addition to regularly scheduled lectures, students will also have the opportunity to view films emphasizing different aspects of various traditions. These films form an important part of the course and should not be missed.
The overall goal of the course is to allow the student an opportunity to learn some basic facts both about the study of religion generally and about specific religions, particularly ones that are found in our state and nation. At no time will attempts at proselytizing be tolerated; such activities are inappropriate in an academic setting. Students are also expected to refrain from demeaning or defacing any tradition in their academic work and classroom interaction, including their own tradition.
2. Course Requirements
Student grades will be determined as follows:
Quizzes
Paper #1
Paper #2
Attendance
|
35%
30%
30%
5%
|
A
B+
B
C+
|
100-90
89-86
85-80
79-76
|
C
D+
D
F
|
75-70
69-66
65-60
below 60
|
There will be a series of seven quizzes, totaling thirty-five percent of the overall grade. Each quiz will cover some aspect of one of the preceding major tradition we have discussed or on other material in the textbook or presented in class.
Students are expected to write two papers. The first paper will involve the student immersing themselves in a religious tradition of their choosing, provided it is not the student’s own tradition, including various sects of one’s own tradition (i.e., if one is Baptist, one may not work on Roman Catholicism). For those having no religious affiliation, they may choose any faith they would like to explore more in-depth. Students will attend a worship service of the chosen faith, interview a leader in the religion, and generally demonstrate a basic mastery of the key beliefs of the religion they choose. If the religion has various denominations or sects, students should make mention of that fact and contextualize their interaction with the particular denomination as it relates to the broader tradition. Students do not need to consult with the instructor prior to choosing which religion they will write on, but may find it helpful to do so.
The second paper will allow the student to look more in-depth at their own tradition (or if having no religious affiliation, a faith other than the one selected for the first paper). The successful paper will have thoughtful consideration of the world-wide scope of their tradition, how one’s particular sect or denomination relates to others, how ones own tradition relates to independent traditions, and the role of religious tradition in their own lives.
Students may choose which paper they would like to write first and some may wish to coincide writing their papers with when we discuss the particular religion in the classroom. Regardless, a paper must be submitted by the due dates listed on the syllabus, though students are welcome to turn their papers in earlier.
While extra credit opportunities are not guaranteed, there instructor may choose to offer opportunities to obtain additional credit towards the final grade for the student’s voluntary attendance at extracurricular events related to the course. The instructor will announce available opportunities in class. Students may earn up to half a letter grade in extra credit.
3. Textbook
Michael Molloy. Experiencing the World’s Religions, 4th ed. McGraw-Hill, 2005.
James Fieser. Scriptures of the World’s Religions, 2nd ed. McGraw-Hill, 2004
4. Attendance
According to the University attendance policy, absence from more than ten percent of class meetings, whether excused or unexcused, is excessive and may result in a grade penalty. As this course meets for only eight weeks, prompt and consistent attendance is imperative. Students who fail to abide by the University attendance policy will receive a grade penalty.
5. Schedule
See Blackboard course website.