Introduction to World Religions Syllabus for 2014-2015
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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

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\ TEXTBOOK  

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\ 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%            89.5-100   A

Exam 2                                                   20%            79.5-89      B

Exam 3                                                   20%            69.5-79      C

Final Exam                                             20%            59.5-69      D   

Research project and presentation        20%            0-59      F

 

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:

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

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3.     Students are all expected to choose one specific living world religion other than their own to research and present to the class. The research will seek to understand the chosen religion in terms of the key doctrines common to all branches of the religion, its historical development, cultural and ethical expression, and contemporary status.  Each presentation will be accompanied by a four to five page essay written using good form and documentation of sources, presented to the instructor for evaluation before the student makes her/his presentation.
\ a.    Presentations will follow an outlined grading rubric asking for specific information about the religion.  This information will be presented in either a PowerPoint or speech format. The rubric outline indicates a range of point values based on what information is presented by the student.  The rest of the class will each write one key point learned from the presentation on an index card and rate the presentation on a scale of 3 (excellent), 2 (good), or 1 (more research needed), which will be used to determine up to 3 extra-credit points to be added to the rubric tally determined by the instructor.
\ b.    Look for and use respected, academic level sources which are written by people who really practice the religion they are explaining as much as possible. In other words, do not limit your sources to those which agree with your personal conclusions.  AND, do not depend upon writers who are opposed to a particular religion to define its point-of-view!  Be objective and open minded.
\ c.    In using the various resources and writers available to you, always remember that “before one can say ‘I disagree,’ one must be able to say ‘I understand’” (William James).
\ d.    This presentation should be ten to fifteen minutes long when timed, and as specific in its details as possible.    
\ e.    Each student must submit a complete bibliography of the sources used to prepare this presentation for critical evaluation by the instructor.
\ f.    If you use internet resources, make sure that they come from reliable, academic level websites, and are properly documented so that your instructor may check the accuracy of your references.
\ h.    The class will be divided randomly into 5 groups so that the presentations will be equally spaced throughout the semester.  See the course calendar for detailed information regarding when these presentations will be due.
\ i.    See the attached copy of the rubric below to understand how your presentation will be prepared and graded.

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Oral Project Grading Scale
\ For Introduction to the World Religions
\ 1.    Mechanics of both Essay and Oral Presentation:                                   25%
\ Documentation and Form are graded by the standards in the MLA Handbook (consult your syllabus).

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    A.    Introduction        5        4        3        2        1        0        5%
\           Grammar/Spelling
\            Evidence of Proof-Reading
\            Neatness
\            Documentation/Form    
\     B.    Body        5        4        3        2        1        0        5%
\            Grammar/Spelling
\            Evidence of Proof-Reading
\            Neatness
\            Documentation/Form
\     C.    Conclusion        5        4        3        2        1        0        5%
\            Grammar/Spelling
\            Evidence of Proof-Reading
\            Neatness
\            Documentation/Form    
\     D.    Bibliography        5        4        3        2        1        0        5%
\            Form/Content
\            Completeness/Consistency
\            Neatness
\            Spelling
\            Any Obvious Sources Not Consulted?
\     E.    Oral Communication Skills        5        4        3        2        1        0               
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\ 2.    Content:                                                              75%
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\     A.    Thesis Statement        10        8        6        4        2        0        10%
\     B.    Quality of Content            10        8        6        4        2        0        10%
\     C.    Critical Thinking Skills            10        8        6        4        2        0        10%
\           Analysis
\            Logic
\            Objectivity
\     D.    Completeness/Consistency    10        8        6        4        2        0        10%
\     E.    Understanding                10        8        6        4        2        0        15%
\            The Historical Roots and Current Statistics of the Chosen Religion
\            The Doctrinal and Ethical Framework for the Chosen Religion
\                 The Cultural and Societal Impact of the Religion
\            The Social and Personal Responsibility of the Religion’s Membership
\            Your Social and Personal Responsibility toward this Religion    
\      F.    Conclusions Drawn            10        8        6        4        2        0        10%
\      G.    Future Value of Research        10        8        6        4        2        0        10%

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\ Total Points/Letter Grade:                      ______\\______                                                                                        Points                Letter                                                  Comments:

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Introductions, Hinduism, Buddhism

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Bhagavad Gita, The. Hindu Scripture

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Corless, R. The Vision of Buddhism.

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

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Eck, Diana. A New Religious America.

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Gard, Richard A. Buddhism.

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Klostermaier, K.A Survey of Hinduism.

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Knott, K.Hinduism: A Very Short Introduction.

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

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Prabhavanada & Manchester.  The Spiritual Heritage of India.

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Renou, Louis. Hinduism.

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Rig Veda, The.Hindu Scripture

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UpanishadsHindu Scripture.  (Oxford World’s Classics edition)

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Judaism, Christianity

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Mishnah, The.Legal section of the Talmud

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Fishbane, Michael A.Judaism

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Latourette, K. S.A History of Christianity.

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Lewis, C. S.                 Mere Christianity

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

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Neusner, J. Fortress Introduction To American Judaism.

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Urban, Linwood.A Short History of Christian Thought.

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Wright, N. T. Simply Christian

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

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Islam

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

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

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Armstrong, Karen.Muhammad.

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

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Barrett, Paul M.American Islam.

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Grieve, Paul.A Brief Guide to Islam.

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Kepel, Gilles.Allah in the West.

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Margulies, Phillip.The Rise of Islamic Fundamentalism.

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

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Schimmel, A. Islam: An Introduction.

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