Introduction to World Religions Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Course

PHIL-1304-003 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

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 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:

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 it is made up.  Four unexcused absences will then result in the loss of two letter grades unless at least one of those absences is 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 textbooks (see the class outline that begins on page 3 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 7 unit exams and a final examination.  The final examination will be comprehensive—but there will be no questions asked on the final that cover material you have been previously tested over unless those questions are worded in exactly the same way that they were worded on the previous examination.  See the course outline for the dates of these exams. 

 

4. Research assignment:  You will research a world religion of your choosing and create a Power Point presentation of 7 to 9 slides (this includes the title page and reference slide at the end). This assignment is due at the end of the semester. See the PPT presentation folder in the Lessons tab for detailed instructions.

 

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                             60%             89.5-100A

Discussion                      15%              79.5-89B

Power Point Presentation Assignment             15%               65.5-79C

 Final Exam                     10%               59.5-69D   

                                                               0-59F

I do not allow extra credit for this class.  Furthermore, all assignments are due on the dates listed in the course calendar.  No exceptions.

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.

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