Introduction to World Religions Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Course

PHIL-1304-002 Introduction to World Religions

Prerequisites

Course Description

A comparative study of world religions, including but not limited to Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

 

TEXTBOOK  

Brodd, Little, Nystrom, Platzner, Shek, and Stiles, Invitation to World Religions, New York: Oxford University Press, 2013.

Supplies

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\ Textbook, pens, pencils, 3-hole notebook paper, a 3-ring binder (1 inch width is ample), access to a computer in order to complete written assignments, to view websites, etc.  Access to library materials is necessary for su

Student Performance

\  Student Learning Outcomes are based on the required Core Curriculum Intellectual Competencies, Perspectives and Exemplary Educational Objectives as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Specific Course Requirements are to be found in the course schedule and course syllabus.

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\ Students who complete this course of study should be able to do the following: CCIC 1,2,3,4,5; CCP 1,2,5,7,8; EEOSB 1,2,4,5,9,10,12

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\  1.  To understand the appropriate methods, technologies, and data that social and behavioral

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\       scientists use to investigate the human condition.

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\ 2.  To identify and demonstrate an understanding of the main categories of philosophy

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\      (such as metaphysics, logic, epistemology and axiology and religion).

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\ 3.  To identify and analyze the origins, historical, social, cultural emphasis of philosophical

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\       inquiry.

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\ 4.   To demonstrate an understanding of the principle characteristics which define the areas of

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\       philosophy through a presentation of critical analysis.

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\ 5.   To recognize and apply reasonable criteria for the acceptability of historical evidence and

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\       social research.

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\ 6.   To analyze, critically assess, and develop creative solutions to philosophical problems.

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\ 7.   To identify and understand differences and commonalities within diverse cultures.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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Expected Student Behavior

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\  Be courteous to your fellow student and to your instructor. Please do not interrupt a fellow student or your instructor by doing any of the following, eating in class, drinking in class, misbehaving in class, etc.  Behavior that is deemed inappropriate by the instructor will not be tolerated. 

Grading Criteria

COURSE GRADE Criteria:         COURSE GRADE SCALE:

        

Exam 1                           20%            90-100   A

Exam 2                           20%            80-89      B

Exam 3                           20%            70-79      C

Final Exam                     20%            60-69      D   

supplemental reading     10%            0-59      F

Notebook                        10%

There will be no extra credit given in this class.

          

Attendance

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\ Regular and prompt attendance is vital for satisfactory achievement.  It is the responsibility of the student to attend class, on time.Absences totaling more than four class sessions will result in the loss of points toward the final grade.  Arriving late or leaving early twice will count as one absence.

Calendar

Additional Information

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS:

 

1.      Regular attendance and participation (see “Attendance Policy” on p. 1 of this syllabus)

 

2.      The successful completion of four examinations.  The final exam will be comprehensive.  See the course outline for the schedule of exams.

 

3.      Supplemental reading:  Students must read at least 100 pages from a book in the course bibliography or a primary source from one of the religions that we have studied and submit a one-page, single-spaced, type-written interaction paper.  The paper should begin with publication facts, including the name of the author (where applicable), title, place and date of publication, and pages read.

 

4.  Students must prepare a 3-ring notebook which will account for 10% of their final grade.  (A notebook with a 2” spine should be large enough).  Notebooks will be turned in to the instructor and graded during the Final Exam.  The course syllabus, all class hand-outs, student notes, reading reports, etc. should be kept, in order, in the notebook.  Its purpose is to organize and preserve for future use the printed materials used during this course.

 

Introductions, Hinduism, Buddhism

 

Bhagavad Gita, The. Hindu Scripture

Corless, R. The Vision of Buddhism.

Dalai Lama, The. How To Practice: The Way To A Meaningful Life.

Eck, Diana. A New Religious America.

Gard, Richard A. Buddhism.

Klostermaier, K.A Survey of Hinduism.

Knott, K.Hinduism: A Very Short Introduction.

Lester, Robert C.Buddhism. (Religious Traditions of the World)

Prabhavanada & Manchester.  The Spiritual Heritage of India.

Renou, Louis. Hinduism.

Rig Veda, The.Hindu Scripture

UpanishadsHindu Scripture.  (Oxford World’s Classics edition)

 

Judaism, Christianity

 

Mishnah, The.Legal section of the Talmud

Fishbane, Michael A.Judaism

Latourette, K. S.A History of Christianity.

Lewis, C. S.                 Mere Christianity

MacCulloch, D.Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years.

Neusner, J. Fortress Introduction To American Judaism.

Urban, Linwood.A Short History of Christian Thought.

Wright, N. T. Simply Christian

Wuthnow, Robert. Christianity in the 21^st Century.

 

Islam

 

Qur’an, The.  Muslim Scripture (also known as The Koran)

Ahmed, Akbar S.Journey into Islam: The Crisis of Globalization.

Armstrong, Karen.Muhammad.

Ansary, Tamim.            Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes.

Barrett, Paul M.American Islam.

Grieve, Paul.A Brief Guide to Islam.

Kepel, Gilles.Allah in the West.

Margulies, Phillip.The Rise of Islamic Fundamentalism.

Nomani, Asra.Standing Alone: An American Woman’s Struggle for the Soul of Islam.

Schimmel, A. Islam: An Introduction.

Tate, Sonsyrea.Little X: Growing Up in the Nation of Islam.