Introduction to World Religions Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Course

PHIL-1304-001 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

\N

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

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

Supplies

\ 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 successful completion

Student Performance

\ Students who complete this course of study should be able to do the following:

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

\       scientists use to investigate the human condition.

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

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

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

\       inquiry.

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

\       philosophy through a presentation of critical analysis.

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

\       social research.

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

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

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Expected Student Behavior

\ Be courteous to your fellow student and to your instructor. Only post appropriate responses that are respectful both of the religion being studied and of your classmates.  Cheating or collusion will not be tolerated.  If you are caught cheating you will be given a 0 for the assignment on the first offense.  If you are caught a second time, you will fail the class.

Grading Criteria

\ COURSE GRADE BREAKDOWN    GRADING SCALE

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\ Exams                         70%             90-100A

\ Discussion                  15%              80-89B

\ Homework                  15%               70-79C

\                                                           60-69D   

\                                                           0-59F

\ I do not allow extra credit for this class.

Attendance

\ Regular and prompt attendance is vital for satisfactory achievement.  It is the responsibility of the student to logon to class at least twice a week.

Calendar

Additional Information

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

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\ 2.      The successful completion of eight examinations. 

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\ 3.      Discussion questions for each unit (a total of 9 for the class): For every Discussion Forum in this class: You will need to post at least one original response and reply to two others to receive a grade of 100.  If you post once and reply to one other, you will receive a grade of 85.  If you post once and do not reply to any other posts, you will receive a 70.  If you do not post or reply, you will receive a 0. (I will also be looking at the quality of your posts and edit your grades accordingly.)  You will have access to all of the discussions at the beginning of the semester; however, they are due by 11:55pm on the date assigned in your course calendar.  You are encouraged to work ahead on this assignment.

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\ 4.        Students must complete the “Homework drop-box” for each unit. In each drop-box you will be given a link or a primary text from each one of the religions that we are studying.  You will need to read the assigned primary text and answer the question assigned in the box provided for you.  Each answer must be well thought out and written in 3 or 4 sentences.  You will have access to all of the “Homework drop-boxes” at the beginning of the semester; however, they are due by 11:55pm on the date assigned in your course calendar. You are encouraged to work ahead on this assignment.

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\ 5.        Required Exams:  There will be (8) exams, throughout the course of the semester.  The student is expected to take exams on the date scheduled in the course outline. You will be given a 5 days to take each exam (Friday thru the following Tuesday at Midnight).  The questions for your exams will be taken from your notes and your reading from the course textbook.COURSE REQUIREMENTS