Introduction to World Religions Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information
Instructor
Jonathan Kohler (Curriculum Vitae)Office Location
Off Campus
Office Hours
by appointment
Course Information
Recording Policy
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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.
Student Resources Student Resources Website
Department Expectations
\N
Occupational License Disclaimer
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
\
\\ 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.
\\ 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
\\ 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 and religion).
\\ 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.
Students Rights and Responsibilities
Student Rights and ResponsibilitiesLog in using the AC Connect Portal
In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .
If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".
Expected Student Behavior
\
\\ 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
\
\\ 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
|
DATE |
OVERVIEW |
READING |
ASSIGNMENTS |
|
Week 1 |
Introductions, Syllabus,
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Getting Started, Working Definitions |
Text Book 3-25 |
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American Spirituality and African Religions |
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Week 2 |
Native American Spirituality |
Text book 29-78 |
|
|
|
Some Indigenous Religions of Africa |
|
|
|
Week 3 |
|
|
First Exam |
|
|
Hinduism |
|
|
|
|
Hinduism: Historical Origins |
Textbook 83-139 |
|
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Week 4 |
Hinduism: Sacred Literature |
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Hinduism: Outlook and Practices |
|
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Week 5 |
Hinduism: in the West |
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|
Buddhism |
|
|
|
|
The Life of the Buddha |
Textbook 145-205 |
|
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Week 6 |
Buddhism: The Four Noble Truths and the Two Ways |
|
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|
Buddhism After the Buddha |
|
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Week 7 |
Buddhism in Asia, China and the West |
|
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|
Second Exam |
|
Week 8 |
Ancient Near Eastern Religions |
No reading |
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|
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Judaism |
|
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|
Judaism: Historical Origins |
Textbook 341-394 |
|
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Week 9 |
From the Biblical Period to the Rise of Rabbinic Judaism |
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Judaism: The Modern Age and the Establishment of the State of Israel |
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Week 10 |
Varied expressions of Judaism in the United States |
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|
Christianity |
|
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The Life of Jesus of Nazareth |
Textbook 401-451 |
|
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Week 11 |
Aspects of Early Christian History |
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The Protestant Reformation to the Modern Age |
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Week 12 |
Christianity in the United States: Current Trends |
|
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Third Exam |
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|
Islam |
|
|
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Week 13 |
Life of Muhammad |
Textbook 459-509 |
|
|
|
The Five Pillars and the Rise of Islam |
|
|
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Week 14 |
Aspects of Muslim History, and Aspects of the Qur’an |
|
Supplemental reading due |
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|
Islam in the United States: History and Current Trends in the United States Since September 11, 2001 |
|
|
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Week 15 |
Violence and Islam |
|
|
|
|
Review for Final |
|
Notebook due |
|
Tue, May 13th |
Final Exam |
|
10:30-12:30 |
DISCLAIMER:
The course requirements are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Students will be notified at the beginning of each class if there are any modifications or changes to these course requirements. Announcements of any changes will be made in class.
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 21st 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.
Syllabus Created on:
11/30/-1 12:00 AM
Last Edited on:
11/30/-1 12:00 AM