Introduction to World Religions Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Course

PHIL-1304-004 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

Brodd, Jeffrey, et al, Invitation to World Religions, Second Edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016; AND this syllabus.

Supplies

Your textbook, a dictionary, pens or pencils, notebook paper or a notebook, and access to a computer to complete assignments and review class materials. Access to library materials will also be necessary for the successful completion of this course.

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. 

SPECIFIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR PHILOSOPHY 1304:

1.  Attendance. Regular attendance and classroom participation. Two unexcused absences will result in the loss of one letter grade for the semester unless at least one of those absences is made up.  Four unexcused absences will result in the loss of two letter grades unless at least two of those absences are made up.  Absences may be excused if they are the result of illness, official Amarillo College business, or personal emergencies.   It is your responsibility to talk with the instructor about this, though.  He will never bring it up to you. Unexcused absences may be made up by doing extra work as approved by your instructor.
2. Reading. A careful reading of all the assigned sections of the textbook (see the class outline of this syllabus to find your specific reading assignments), and all informational sheets given to you in class or online.   
3. Testing. The successful completion of three examinations, including the final examination.  The final examination will be comprehensive—but there will be no questions asked on the final that cover material the student has been previously tested over unless those questions are worded in the same way that they were worded on the previous examination.  See the course outline and calendar of this syllabus for the dates of these exams.  
4. Research.   

A.  PHIL 1304-004, Regular Enrollees: You will all be divided into teams at the beginning of the semester, with each team being assigned a philosophical question which they will then relate to the major living world religions they have also been assigned. 

1) Each team will work together utilizing what they have learned from the textbook, lectures, and discussions concerning their assigned religions.

2) Then, they will individually research the cultural and societal impact of a different religion and its beliefs and practices in the area of their assigned philosophical question. 

 3)  Each of the members of the team will address the same philosophical question but from the perspective of a different one of the assigned living world religions.  What does your religion believe and how do it behave in regard to your question?

4)  Finally, each individual will produce a four or five page paper (using good form) summarizing the results of their work.  Then, your groups’ papers will be stapled together for submission and grading.  Each member of the class will also deposit a final copy of their paper in a drop box that will be available online on the homepage for this class.

5)  These papers must include proper internal documentation for all of the sources the team has used.  These papers must also include a complete “Works Cited” page for the paper.

6)  The group paper submitted in class must also include these “Works Cited” pages.

7)  Each student will present his or her research to the class, clearly and with careful pronunciation.  After each student in the group presents their research the group will defend their conclusions by answering questions and challenges that come from the rest of the class and the instructor. 

8)  Consult the project grading rubric on this syllabus.

9)  You are all urged to visit the “Writer’s Corner” in room 102 of Ordway Hall, for free and personal help writing and documenting this paper, if needed.

10)  You may also choose to use an up-to-date edition of the MLA Handbook available in the college bookstore and/or the library for guidance regarding both form and documentation.

11)  The assigned issues will be:    

• Group One: Judaism
• Group Two: Islam
• Group Three: Peace, violence and war

B.  PHIL 1304-004, Honors Students: You will all be divided into two teams at the beginning of the semester, with each team being assigned one of the major living world religions.

1)  Each group will then work together utilizing what they have learned from the textbook, precious lectures, and discussions concerning the major living world religion they have been assigned.

2)  They will then use library and internet resources to learn all they can about the current statistics, history, literature, doctrines, practices, cultural and societal impact of their assigned religion.

3)  Finally, they will arrange and go together to interview some clergy person or lay leader in the religion they have been assigned (Be prepared when you do this so that you will not waste that persons time—and be respectful.  I will follow up with the people you interview).

4)  On the first day that we cover your assigned religion in class.  It will be your task to introduce it and report on what you have learned as a team—allowing your classmates and teacher to question you as you might question your teacher.  Your lesson plans, notes and PowerPoints or videos will them be submitted to your teacher for further grading.

5)  Your written presentation must use good form and proper documentation.  Visit the “Writer’s Corner” in Ordway Hall, room 102, if you need help with form or documentation. 

6)  Your lesson plans and bibliography must also be submitted in the “honors” drop box online.

7)  The assigned religions will be:

• Group One: Judaism
• Group Two: Islam

 

Oral Project Grading Scale

For the World Religions course taught by Jerry L. Klein

1. Mechanics of both Essay and Oral Presentation:  20%

Documentation and Form are graded by the standards in the MLA Handbook (consult your syllabus).

 

      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?      

          

2.  Content:  80% 

1.  Oral Communication Skills    10       8         6         4         2         0              10%
2.  Thesis Statement                   10       8         6         4         2         0              10%
3.  Quality of Content                   10       8         6         4         2        0               10%
4.  Critical Thinking Skills             10       8         6         4         2        0               10%

             Analysis

             Logic

             Objectivity

      E.  Completeness/Consistency    10       8        6         4         2        0                10%

      F.   Evidence of Understanding    10       8        6        4         2         0                10%

     The Historical Roots and Current Statistics fof the Chosen Religion

     The Doctrinal and Ethical Framework for the Chosen Religion

     The Social and Personal Responsibility of the Religion’s Membership

     Your Social and Personal Responsibility toward this Religion 

    G.  Conclusions Drawn                  10       8         6         4         2         0              10%

8. Future Value of Research       10       8         6         4         2        0               10%

 Total Points/Letter Grade:                                                     

______\______ 

Points    Letter                                                      

 Comments:

 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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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

CELL PHONES/PERSONAL COMPUTERS:

In order to not interrupt the class, students are asked to mute all cell phones prior to the beginning of each class session unless you have already explained why your cell phone is needed to your instructor.  Personal computers are allowed for taking notes and/or looking up materials that will contribute to our class discussion.  However, the improper use of cell phones and/or computers will not be tolerated.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR:

Your instructor wants this class to be both interesting and fun, but any form of disruptive classroom behavior will not be tolerated.

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

All students are required to follow the AC Student Rights/Responsibilities Statement (On the internet, go to www.actx.edu  and look under the “campus bookmarks”)

Grading Criteria

COURSE GRADE BREAKDOWN:                          COURSE GRADING SCALE:                 

First Examination           25%                                       90-100               A

Second Examination     25%                                        80-89                B

Final Examination          25%                                        70-79                C      

Oral Presentation          25%                                         60-69                D

                           100%                                            0-59                 F

Attendance

Regular attendance and classroom participation. Two unexcused absences will result in the loss of one letter grade for the semester unless at least one of those absences is made up.  Four unexcused absences will result in the loss of two letter grades unless at least two of those absences are made up.  Absences may, however, be excused if they are the result of illness, official Amarillo College business, or personal emergencies.   It is your responsibility to talk with the instructor about this, though.  He will never bring it up to you. Unexcused absences may be made up by doing extra work as approved by your instructor.

Calendar

Additional Information

INSTRUCTOR:  Jerry L. Klein

OFFICES:    

• Byrd Business Building, Room 316
• Amarillo Bible Chair, 2501 S. Jackson (directly south of parking lot 9)

OFFICE HOURS: 8:00-8:45 AM, Monday through Thursday in Byrd 316.  I am also in my Bible Chair office every Monday through Thursday afternoon from 2:00-3:00 PM unless I have a faculty meeting on campus.  Appointments to meet at other times may also be made.  I always try to make myself available when needed.

PHONE:     

• 806-372-5747, Amarillo Bible Chair Office
• 806-371-5397, Byrd Business Building (call during office hours only)
• 806-683-7465, Cell (available almost anytime other than when I am in class)

EMAIL:      jlklein@actx.edu

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ANOTHER IMPORTANT DATE TO REMEMBER:

The Last Day to Withdraw from a class without a Failing Grade: February 28, 2017