Introduction to World Religions Syllabus for 2017-2018
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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 ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Brodd, Jeffrey, et al, Invitation to World Religions, Second Edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016; ISBN: 978-0-19-937836-4

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 class unless at least one of those absences 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; however, It is your responsibility to talk with the instructor about this.  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 and all informational sheets given to you in class or online. See the detailed class calendar/outline in class content (online) to find your specific reading assignments.
3. Testing.  The successful completion of three quizzes and the final examination.  See the course outline for the dates of these exams.
4. Research/Presentations/Discussions.   
   1. Groups of two students each will read and present their findings to the class of one of the lesser known religious groups or significant events.
   2. Events and religious groups will be made available, most of which are in your textbook.
   3. Make an outline of your research for the benefit of the class.
5. Participation.  Active participation in our classroom discussions. Any doctrinal point-of-view may be expressed if questioned or relevant, but you must speak respectfully to and of your fellow students and the instructor during all class discussions. A failure to treat the views of your classmates and instructor with respect will adversely result in the reduction of this part of your grade. In the same way, your instructor will treat your points-of-view with respect.

Students 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 is not acceptable.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR:

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

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

Grading Criteria

COURSE GRADE BREAKDOWN:                          COURSE GRADING SCALE:                 

Quizzes                           60%                                       90-100               A

Research Project            20%                                        80-89                B

Final Examination           20%                                        70-79                C      

                                      100%                                        60-69                D

                                                                               0-59                 F

Attendance

Regular attendance and classroom participation. 

Calendar

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