Introduction to World Religions Syllabus for 2015-2016
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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

\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

ACCESSING AC CONNECT:

Online communication will be achieved between students and the professor by using AC Connect.  It is the student's responsibility to check for email messages and announcements regarding this class by clicking on AC Connect on the Amarillo College home page, and then clicking on the icon identifying this class.  You will be able to communicate with both your classmates and professor, check your syllabus, reviews for the examinations, and find your grades posted there.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (EXEMPLARY EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES):

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.

Course Student Learning Outcomes:  CCIC 1,2,3,4,5 CCP 1,2,5,7,8 EEOSB 1,2,4,5,9,10,12

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Read, analyze, and critique religious texts.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of beliefs, practices, values, and terminology of major world religions.
3. Trace the historical developments and cultural expressions of world religions.
4. Articulate key conceptual distinctions in the different world religions.
5. Communicate understanding of world religions, orally or in writing.
6. Communicate ways of living responsibly in a world where people have diverse religious beliefs.

THE STUDY OF PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION: 

Philosophy and Religion are both important parts to the foundation of a liberal arts education. Courses in either philosophy or religion help to provide a deeper understanding of the concepts which have formed human cultures while at the same time helping to develop the students’ skills in critical analysis, their ability to write and interpret texts from all cultures, and to examine the ideas behind theoretical thinking. 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log 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. 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

 

Exams                         70%             89.5-100A

Discussion                  15%              79.5-89B

Homework                  15%               65.5-79C

                                                          59.5-69D   

                                                          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

 

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
 

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

 

2.      The successful completion of eight examinations. 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 4-5 days to take each exam (see course calendar).  The questions for your exams will be taken from your notes and your reading from the course textbook.